Somalia Situation Report, 26 Dec 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• Displaced households are gradually returning to their homes owing to dry conditions that have prevailed across most parts of the country.
• The number of people affected by floods is estimated to be 2.48M, including 1.2M displaced from their homes & about 118 deaths, according to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency.
• Food prices have stabilized, which is attributed to the restoration of supply chains facilitated by improved roads, enabling transportation of goods that were hampered by floods.
• One of the agencies with support from humanitarians will conduct a post-floods assessment on the overall impact of floods on livelihoods and infrastructure in the coming weeks.
• The 2023 HRP which requires US$2.6B to respond to the needs of 7.6M, is just 42.7% funded ($1.1B). Additional funds are required to urgently meet the needs of the affected people.

ANALYSIS

Deyr Rainy Season 2023 Flash Update No.5

SITUATION OVERVIEW The Federal Government of Somalia has declared an emergency in areas where torrential deyr (October to December) rains have triggered floods, according to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA). The heavy rains fueled by an El Nino, have intensified particularly in Puntland, Galmudug, South West, Hirshabelle states and in areas along the Juba river in Jubaland State. Partners estimate that as of 6 November, over 706,100 people have been temporarily affected, with over 113,690 people temporarily displaced from their homes across the country. South West and Jubaland states are the worst affected, with an estimated 268,243 and 268,365 people affected, respectively. In Hirshabelle, at least 145,800 people are reportedly affected, with 11,700 displaced following heavy rains on 5 November. Up to 400 families (2,400 people) are believed to be trapped by floods in Luuq and efforts are ongoing to urgently evacuate them. In Baardheere, local authorities are appealing for urgent support for more than 14,000 families that have been cut off from the main town and are unable to replenish their domestic supplies. FAO/SWALIM has called for the activation of evacuation plans, warning that there is a high risk of riverine flooding in Jubaland, particularly in Doolow, Luuq, Baardhere, Bualle, and Jilib districts, and urged people living along the entire stretch of the Juba river to identify safe routes to high ground. It also warned of a high risk of flooding along the Shabelle river at Belet Weyne and adjacent areas, and recommended the activation of evacuation plans for the town and surrounding areas.

Puntland State: At least 22,250 people have been affected by heavy rains and floods in Puntland, with 7,280 displaced from their homes. In north Gaalkacyo and its outskirts, heavy rains have displaced more people in the last 24 hours especially in sites for internally displaced people (IDPs). Preliminary information indicates that 239 shelters have been destroyed and 222 latrines damaged in 14 sites. More than 100 families (600 people) from the host community are also displaced. Movement along the roads has been affected, and electricity and internet cut off.

Galmudug State: Heavy rains flooded Gaalkacyo town on 4 November, affecting 25 IDP sites in Garsoor and Hormar neighborhoods. On 5 November, partners reported flash flooding in Cabudwaaq District which affected Garasle and Xurfada IDP sites. Two teenage girls from Bandiradley town and a boy from Cabudwaaq, reportedly drowned. In total, 1,416 people have been affected with 136 families (816 people) displaced and sheltering under trees on higher grounds. The Education Cluster reported that Grassle primary school is flooded, disrupting learning for 121 children. An unconfirmed number of shelters and latrines were inundated. Electricity supply to the town, including the hospital, is cut off. South West State: Overnight rains on 4 November swamped Baidoa town, inundating 384 IDP sites. Roads are flooded and humanitarian movements curtailed. In Xudur district, heavy rainfall on 2 and 3 November, displaced 25,410 people of whom 21,000 have moved to higher ground, according to the authorities. In Berdale district, at least 27,000 people were affected by flash floods in Berdale district following heavy rains on 4 November, including over 9,100 IDPs. Three, including two children, have died. Overall, partners and authorities estimate that 268,243 people have been affected in the state. Jubaland State: Partners and local communities estimate that 268,365 people have been affected by floods after the water level on the Juba river reached bankfull level; with over 93,600 displaced. These include 36,000 displaced in Baardhere, 30,000 in Luuq and 24,000 in Doolow. Partners reported on 4 November that at least 847 latrines have been damaged and 28 water wells cannot be accessed, forcing people to use flood or rainwater. Learning institutions have been closed and some are damaged. Around 400 families (2,400 people) are reportedly trapped in Luuq Godey, Gumaro, Minyara and surrounding villages. Floods have also affected the non-riverine districts of Ceelwaaq, Afmadhow and Garbaharrey, resulting in loss of property and shelter, displacement, and loss of five lives. Prices of firewood and charcoal have gone up from US$3 to $12 per bag in the last three days.

Needs Partners report that flood-affected people need urgent food, emergency shelter and non-food items (NFIs), nutrition, health, protection; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance. Findings by a local NGO indicate that food, health, WASH and shelter/non-food items are the most pressing needs for affected people in South West State. A limited flow of commodities is reported because the Jamecada road between Mogadishu and Burhabaka is cut off, leaving local transporters stranded on both sides. Partners report a significant need for shelter, clean water, and sanitation facilities for displaced families, as well as community surveillance, early warning systems and risk communication in Jubaland. Shallow wells in Luuq, Doolow and Belet Xaawo are underwater, which has severely affected access to safe drinking water, therefore mitigating the risk of water borne diseases is critical especially for communities that are using flood water for domestic purposes.

Response and Gaps The Somali Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmad Jama on 5 November said the Federal Government is making efforts to deliver relief assistance to affected people. According to SoDMA, the deputy premier called on the Somali community, especially the business community, to support affected people in Gedo and other regions of Somalia. SoDMA has distributed grants to 400 flood-affected people in Baidoa. One international partner has distributed over 74,700 sandbags to communities across the country, prepositioned 24 manual water treatment kits and four mechanical water treatment units, provided medical supplies to treat Acute Water Diarrhoea to 26 clinics and prepositioned 49,000 household hygiene kits.Partners in Puntland State are disseminating information to communities at risk, mobilizing and equipping mobile health clinics. In South West State, partners have developed a vulnerability criterion for selection of the most vulnerable population. In Jubaland State, efforts are underway to evacuate 2,400 people who are trapped in Luuq Godey, Minyara, Gumaro and surrounding village. Local authorities and partners are trying to block the river in high-risk areas, but lack enough sandbags.In Hirshabelle State, authorities are preparing three boats and six vehicles to rescue people in high-risk areas, especially children, the elderly and people with disabilities.