ReliefWeb

With the start of Gu rains at end of March, the main planting season in Somalia has begun.
Sufficient rains will be critical for the 3 million people currently facing food insecurity. This will support crop production, pasture growth and replenishment of water supplies especially in agro-pastoral and pastoral livelihood zones. The Gu (April-June) is the season during which about 75 per cent of annual rainfall is recorded.
According to the climate forecast for the Greater Horn of Africa, the Gu rains in Somalia are expected to be normal to below normal in different parts of the country.

Risk of flooding

Parts of south and central Somalia remain at risk of flooding due to weak river embankments along the Juba and Shabelle rivers. In preparation for the rains and possible risk of flooding, WASH partners are starting to replenish stocks in at least ten regional supply hubs. Hygiene promotion activities are also underway as part of the AWD/cholera prevention efforts.

Water shortages

Despite the onset of the Gu rains in parts of Somalia, localized drought and water shortages continue to be experienced in areas that received below normal rainfall for two consecutive seasons in 2014. Main areas affected by water shortages include Bay, Hiraan, Galgaadud, Gedo, Lower and Middle Shabelle and Mudug regions.

Funding

The Somalia Humanitarian Response Plan is 10 per cent funded, and $781 million is still needed.