Somalia: 2023 Deyr Season Floods Situation Report No. 3 (As of 3 December 2023)

HIGHLIGHTS

• The number of people impacted by heavy deyr seasonal rains and floods across Somalia has increased to over 2.4 million, according to the authorities, with over one million displaced and 110 killed in at least 36 districts.

• Concern continues to grow over the likely spread of water-borne diseases. Suspected cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera were reported in Hirshabelle and Galmudug. An outbreak would pose a significant threat to communities with limited healthcare facilities.

• Humanitarians, authorities and local communities have assisted at least 820,000 people, about 30 per cent of those affected. At least 37 boats are deployed to deliver supplies or evacuate trapped people in Hirshabelle and Jubaland states.

• Light rain is forecast over the coastal areas of Middle Shabelle and Lower Juba, and Banadir from 29 November to 5 December, and dry conditions over the rest of the country and Ethiopian highlands.

• One month to the end of the year, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) which requires US$2.6 billion to respond to the needs of 7.6 million most vulnerable people in Somalia, is just 42 per cent funded ($1,087 million). Additional funds are urgently needed to deliver life-saving assistance to the people affected by heavy rains and floods.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

The number of people impacted by torrential deyr (October to December) seasonal rains and floods across Somalia has increased to over 2.4 million, according to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), with over one million displaced and 110 killed in at least 36 districts. Along the Shabelle river basin, water levels remain high, with flooding reported in several areas. Twenty villages to the east of Jowhar town in Hirshabelle State are reportedly inundated. Mahaday town, which has been deluged for a month, has seen its sanitation facilities and some houses collapse. Along the upper catchment of the Juba river, water levels have declined in Doolow and Luuq, however some sections downstream at Baardheere and Bu’alle are still at bankfull levels.

Concern is growing over a likely spread of water-borne diseases. During the reporting period, suspected cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera were reported in Howlwadaag village, Hirshabelle, with 12 admitted to Shacab hospital in Belet Weyne, and in Ceel Jaale evacuation site where displaced people from Belet Weyne have moved to. The authorities are considering opening a treatment center at the site. In Galmudug State, suspected AWD/cholera have been reported in Cabudwaaq district. An outbreak of AWD/cholera would pose a significant threat to communities with limited healthcare facilities. In Gaalkacyo, rains have reduced but stagnant water has led to a surge in mosquito infestation.

Humanitarian partners, the authorities and local communities have stepped to assist those affected, reaching at least 820,000 people, about 30 per cent of those affected with shelter, food, water, medicines, protection, sandbags and other basic necessities. At least 37 boats have been deployed to deliver supplies or evacuate tens of thousands of people who are trapped by flood water in 10 locations in Hirshabelle and Jubaland states. One boat in Afmadow,
Jubaland, is supporting 8,000 stranded families in Lag Dera basin. The town has been under water for a week and all access roads are cut off.

Light rain is forecast over the coastal areas of Middle Shabelle, Lower Juba and Banadir, and in areas bordering Buur Hakaba district in Bay and Qoryooley in Lower Shabelle regions, from 29 November to 5 December, according to FAO-Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM). Dry conditions are expected over the rest of the country and the Ethiopian highlands. The current deyr rains are expected to sustain high needs through the deyr season, and people facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse outcomes are likely to increase in urban areas and IDP settlements, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (Fewsnet). On a positive note, opportunities exist for cultivation when the floods recede, which should improve the next harvest and livestock production.