Attachments
Displaced Families 11,000
Displaced Individuals 66,000
It is estimated that some 9,000 individuals are children under 18
Deaths 0
Injuries 0
Coordinates 5.3516° N, 48.5250° E
Incident Date Jan 31, 2026
Background
Somalia continues to experience a severe and prolonged drought, driven by consecutive failed rainy seasons, extreme temperatures, and environmental degradation. In Hobyo District, these conditions have resulted in the depletion of grazing lands and the drying of critical water sources, including shallow wells, traditional wells, water pans, and berkads. The collapse of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist livelihoods has been widespread, marked by significant livestock losses and reduced household income. Rural communities have been forced to leave their areas of origin in search of water, pasture, and essential services.
The most affected villages include Bajeela, Wargalo, Ceelguula, Gawaan, Ceeldibir, Xaaro, Kalasooc, GalBarwaaqo, and Xero-Dahab. Displaced households have moved toward Ceel‑Ducaale, Wasil, Ceelguula, Ceeldibir, and Hobyo town, where access to basic services and humanitarian assistance is perceived to be relatively better. As of the time of reporting, Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network (PSMN) partners have recorded an estimated 11,000 households (66,000 individuals) displaced due to the ongoing drought and deteriorating living conditions across Hobyo District. Among the affected population, it is estimated that some 9,000 individuals are children under 18.
In addition, the presence of Al-Shabaab in the areas of origin and around the displacement routes continues to restrict civilian movement, limit access to services, and exacerbate protection risks. The combined impacts of drought and insecurity are sustained and escalating displacement within Hobyo district.