Somalia: 2025-2026 Drought Emergency - Situation Report No. 5 (As of 6 April 2026)

This is report is produced by OCHA Somalia in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It provides information on the current seasonal drought emergency as of 6 April 2026. The next report will only be published if the drought emergency continues.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Severe drought continues to persist across Somalia, deepening humanitarian needs. Partners report livestock losses, widespread water and food shortages, displacement and increased need for assistance.
• Projected rains in coming days will recharge water points and regenerate pasture, but are unlikely, in the short-term, to fully reverse the long-term impact of the current severe drought.
• At least 2 million Somalis are estimated to be facing acute levels of hunger (IPC 4), and more than 1.8 million under 5 children face acute malnutrition including 483,000 who are severely malnourished, largely due to severe drought conditions.
• The situation is exacerbated by rising fuel and commodity prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Fuel prices have surged from US$0.60 to US$1.50 per litre, driving up the cost of transport and basic goods.
• Despite increased needs, aid delivery remains extremely limited. In the 21 priority districts in the 2026 response plan, coverage is below 25 per cent, indicating severe under-delivery in the most critical areas.

KEY FIGURES

2M People projected to be facing acute hunger (IPC 4).

1.8M Children facing acute malnutrition.

108% Increase in fuel prices largely due to Gulf conflict.

22K Households in Jubaland aided Gulf donors in February-March.

12.2% Funding received for 2026 response plan.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Severe drought continues to persist across Somalia, deepening humanitarian needs despite forecasts of improved rainfall in the coming weeks. Livelihoods have been devastated amidst reports of livestock deaths, water scarcity, food shortages, and a growing need for assistance. The situation has been exacerbated by the dry and hot Jilaal (February– March) season. At least five million people have been affected, with half a million displaced from their homes, according to the authorities. Widespread crop failure is reported, with the World Food Programme estimating that the upcoming cereal production will be 83 per cent below the long-term average. The Shabelle and Juba river levels have dropped sharply or dried up in some areas, severely constraining water availability.

A forecast by FAO-Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) on 31 March projects normal rains over much of southern and central Somalia in coming days, and light rains in northern areas. These rains may help to recharge water points and regenerate pasture, but they are unlikely, in the short term, to fully reverse the impact of the drought. In many districts, the price of a 200-liter water barrel has doubled or tripled due to declining availability and rising transport costs. At least 280 boreholes nationwide are non-functional, exacerbating water scarcity. At least 829 schools are affected, with 358 closed and 471 operating under severe constraints or at risk of closure; affecting about 189,000 children.

The drought has unfolded at a time when about 2 million Somalis are estimated to be facing acute levels of hunger (IPC 4), and 1.8 million children face acute malnutrition. The situation is exacerbated by rising fuel and commodity prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Somalia, which imports over 90 per cent of its essential commodities, has seen fuel prices surge from US$0.60 to US$1.50 per litre—an increase of 108 per cent—driving up the cost of transport and basic goods. Supply chains have been disrupted, with delays affecting shipments, including critical humanitarian supplies such as nutrition commodities, non-food items, medicines, and sanitation materials.

Due to drought, food and nutrition outcomes have worsened in Bari, Nugaal, Mudug, Sool, Sanaag, Bay and Bakool regions. In Gedo region, over 200,000 people need water assistance. Reports from Mudug region indicate that In February, about 12,100 households (72,600 people) were displaced in Gaalkacyo district, largely due to loss of livestock and limited access to basic services, according to UNHCR’s Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network. Partners in Bakool region report that 217 households (over 1,300 people) have been displaced to Hudur due to food shortages and clan conflicts. Agropastoral and riverine livelihoods in Hiraan region have been impacted, particularly in Belet Weyne district. In Lower Shabelle region, 570 newly displaced households (3,420 people) were reported. In Afgooye, 676 households (over 4,500 people) were displaced in March, as were 1,067 households (over 6,400 people) in Barawe.