Somalia: Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin No. 20, 21 - 28 May 2010

Key Overall Developments

Puntland Storm and Floods update

A storm which hit parts of the Puntland coastline on 21 May, accompanied by heavy rains that caused floods, left a trail of destruction mostly affecting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and poor communities in Bossaso town as most shelters are susceptible to environmental hazards. A rapid assessment was conducted by Puntland authorities, the United Nations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on 23 May, establishing that nearly 2,100 households (approximately 12,000 people) were affected by the floods loosing their shelter and livelihoods. The most urgent needs were identified as shelter material, food aid and latrine rehabilitation as most of the existing ones were flooded raising concerns of waterborne diseases outbreak.

Belet Weyne, Hiraan

Following heavy rains in Belet Weyne, during the reporting week, the Shabelle River which passes through the town broke its banks and flooded parts of the town. Many area residents, (an estimated 900 households), were evacuated to higher grounds in Ceeljaale, an area 5km east of the town. On 26 May, a coordination meeting was organised by OCHA and identified shelter, food and medical care as the most urgent needs of those affected.

Islamist groups lifts ban on humanitarian activities in Hiraan On 23 May, Hizbul Islam ordered all humanitarian organizations operating in Hiraan region to stop operations and close down offices in 24 hours, accusing them of doing nothing to assist people in need. However, following a coordination meeting on flood response in the area, the Islamist group allowed the organisations to resume operations.

Incidents involving journalists On 25 May, Hizbul Islam arrested three journalists in Afgooye, Lower Shabelle, for unclear reasons. According to media sources, the three were released the following day. Last week, a radio station based in Boondheere district in Mogadishu was looted forcing it to go off air. The National Union of Somali Journalists says attacks on the press have increasedrecently.