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Somalia + 2 more

East Africa: Floods Threaten Drought-Afflicted Communities

A recent spike in seasonal rainfall in parts of East Africa, which has previously been suffering from long periods of drought, has resulted in widespread flooding across large parts of Somalia, Kenya and now Ethiopia.

In Somalia, the flooding has already affected 700,000 people in Beletwenye, Hiiran, Hirshabelle, Baidoa, Lower Shabelle and South West State. The Somali Government has declared a national emergency and a growing humanitarian crisis is developing. In Kenya, the flooding has also affected 211,000 people in North East Region, Coastal Region, Rift Valley, Nyanza and large urban areas, with a hundred deaths reported. In Ethiopia, 165,000 are affected by flash floods in the Somali region. Key infrastructure such as roads and airports have been damaged or destroyed in all three countries.

As rains show no sign of slowing down, our teams in Somalia and Kenya have already undertaken rapid assessments and are coordinating with the UN and other INGOs. Families are in greatest need of food, safe water and sanitation (WASH) support, shelter and non-food items, including protection from the devastating weather and the spread of diseases.

We are responding directly to these pressing needs. In Somalia, food packs are ready to be distributed in Beletwenye, Hiiran, Hirshabelle. We are also providing aid in Kenya where food packs are making their way to Kilifi and Garissa as a first step. In Ethiopia, cash grants and WASH activities are being planned. We are there on the ground and acting swiftly and effectively to serve as many affected families as possible.

For more information and to donate to our East Africa Crisis Appeal, click here.