Somalia: Gu rainy season 2023 Flash Floods Update No. 1 (23 March 2023)

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Several areas of Somalia have received light to moderate rains over the last week, signaling an early start of the Gu (April-May-June) rainy season.

• Flash floods in Baardheere District, Gedo Region, have reportedly killed 14 people, displaced thousands more and destroyed property.

• Partners in affected areas have identified critical needs in shelter, health, water and sanitation, and non-food items.

• Rainfall forecasts indicate a continuation of the rains in most parts of the country through March, but with drier than normal conditions towards the end of the season.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Several areas of Somalia received moderate rains in the week starting 12 March, with the heaviest rainfall recorded in Gedo and Bay regions, particularly in Baardheere, Wanle Wayne, Luuq and Doolow districts. According to the latest rainfall outlook for the 2023 Gu season. Partners have raised concerns over a likely deterioration of the living conditions, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in overcrowded settlements with inadequate shelter. The rains also come at a time when partners are struggling with a surge in disease outbreaks, including acute watery diarrhoea/cholera, and measles cases, which are likely to increase due to the risk of people consuming contaminated water and lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities and services.

On 22 March, heavy rains in Galmudug State caused flash flooding and cut off electricity in Cadaado and Dhuusamarreeb towns, according to humanitarian partners and local officials. A water catchment site on the outskirts of Dhuusamarreeb town has overflowed and low-lying areas, including Waher Ade and Dayah neighborhoods, have become inundated and inaccessible.

Sections Hodan area are inaccessible due to flood water. Local communities are evacuating affected people to elevated areas.

In Cadaado town, most low-lying areas are completely flooded, including Karaama and Waaberi neighborhoods. Most schools and businesses are closed in Cadaado and Dhuusamarreeb. The rains damaged the main road which connects Cadaado to Dhuusamarreeb. In south Gaalkacyo, seven IDP sites have been flooded and an unconfirmed number of makeshift shelters damaged.

Reports indicate that some districts of Hirshabelle State have received light to moderate rains in the last three days mostly in the rural villages, bringing some relief to the communities that have been struggling to access water due to the ongoing drought.

Hirshabelle has a high number of families with difficult access to water due to the drought, which has dried up sections of the Shabelle River. Besides, some water sources were destroyed due to conflict in 2022 including boreholes, some of which have not been repaired yet.

In Jubaland State, more than 10 people were reportedly killed and thousands of others affected as heavy rains inundated Baardheere District. Nine people reportedly died as they tried to cross a stream amid heavy rains on 20 March, according to local partners. Heavy rains have been reported in several districts and in the Ethiopian highlands, leading to a rise of water levels in SOMALIA: Gu rainy season 2023 Flash Floods Update No. 1 23 March 2023 seasonal streams and the Juba River. According to the Baardheere district committee on disaster management and the Jubaland agency for IDPs and Refugees, out of 29 IDP sites hosting 45,000 households, two were affected by flooding and heavy rains, with 8,118 IDPs directly affected. Several houses, latrines and other facilities were destroyed or damaged. The heavy rains, especially in the Ethiopian highlands, have increased the risk of the Juba River breaking its bank, particularly in Baardheere Buaale, Saakow and Jilib, which could lead to flash floods and displacement.

Partners report that due to the rains, response gaps in shelter assistance and non-food items, which are critical during preparedness and response in rainy seasons. In addition, the early onset of the rains may result in pastoral migrations, resource-based conflict, and displacement. An increased likelihood of pastoral migration with the onset of the rains is reported, especially in the southern coastline area along the Juba river which receives limited rains during the Gu season.

Resource-based conflicts could occur due to people searching for water and pasture. Local authorities in Gedo have advised people in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds in preparation.

In Puntland State, flash floods in Jalam town, Burtinle District in Nugaal Region, have displaced hundreds and damaged property. The floods also resulted in the loss of crops and livestock, as well as the destruction of infrastructure including businesses and residential houses and IDP settlements forcing displaced to reportedly move to higher grounds. Reports indicate that the roads linking Bossaso and Garowe south, and to Gaalkacyo have reportedly been affected, slowing trade activity. Transport between Garowe and Bossaso through Qardho town has also been affected. The rains have started in the mountainous areas in Sanaag region, while the Coastal Deeh and Adduun livelihood zone areas and many parts of the inland have also received very good. Puntland authorities have issued warnings of severe flooding and advised people living by streams to relocate to high ground to protect themselves and their livestock.

Partners in South West State report that shelters in five IDP sites located in low-lying areas have been damaged by heavy rains, leaving several people without shelter. In the ISHA section IDP site in Baidoa town, seven shelters have been washed away by the rains. Stagnant water around the IDP sites has also been reported, posing potential health risks. Authorities report that more than 2,750 newly displaced people in Baidoa need shelter as the seasonal rains start, and have appealed for shelter assistance.

According to the Health Cluster partners, 105 suspected AWD/cholera cases have been admitted into health facilities in Ceel Berde, Bakool since early February.

In Somaliland, the Meteorological Department of the State Ministry of Agriculture Development confirmed the start of the Gu rainy season on 12 March. Heavy rains were reported in all regions and are ongoing. Reportedly, several houses were destroyed in Ceerigaabo, the capital of Sanaag, following heavy rains on 15 March.

According FAO-SWALIM, there is a 50 per cent likelihood of below-normal rainfall (drier than normal conditions), over most parts of Somalia but with high spatial variability or different performance across locations. This is likely to result in an unprecedented sixth below-average rainy season in Somalia, which - coupled with above-normal temperatures - will affect crops and pasture regeneration. The Gu season is the main wet season in Somalia and supports agriculture as well as replenishing water and pasture. This early onset will bring some relief to people affected by the prolonged drought.