Over 45,000 people in Somalia have been affected by flash floods since mid-April, according to the United Nations. The floods have killed at least four people, including two children and a woman. Many families have lost their homes, crops, and access to clean water.
The floods started around April 15 and have hit several regions in the country. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported these figures in a statement released on April 30.
Rising Waters in Vulnerable Areas
The Horn of Africa, where Somalia is located, is highly vulnerable to climate change. The region is experiencing more frequent and stronger weather events like floods and droughts. Heavy rains in April have led to sudden flooding, damaging homes and farmland.
On April 29, the Shabelle River in the Middle Shabelle region burst its banks. Around 6,000 people had to leave their homes. Many of them are now living in temporary camps on higher ground. These camps lack food, clean water, and medical care.
Earlier, on April 28, about 9,500 people were displaced in Galmudug State. Even light to moderate rainfall led to flash floods there. Many families had little time to escape and left behind most of their belongings.
Flooding Worsens Humanitarian Crisis
The UN says the floods have made life harder for people already struggling with poverty and hunger. The floods damaged crops in Middle Shabelle, which is one of Somalia’s most important farming areas. With fields destroyed, food shortages are expected to grow.
People living in affected areas are now in urgent need of help. They need food, clean water, medicine, and safe shelter. But many aid groups are unable to respond fully because of funding problems.
Humanitarian Aid Cutbacks
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which usually provide emergency aid, are facing serious financial difficulties. Many have had to slow down or stop their programs. The UN says these groups are now less able to respond to disasters like the current floods.
One reason for this crisis is the recent cuts to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This agency is one of the world’s largest sources of funding for humanitarian work. Its reduction has affected many projects in Somalia.
“Currently, many humanitarian organizations in areas where the flash flooding is occurring have been forced to pause, scale back, or even close their critical programmes,” OCHA stated in its report.
Recent History of Floods in Somalia
This is not the first time Somalia has faced major floods. In 2023, the country experienced one of its worst flood seasons in years. Over 100 people died, and more than one million were forced to leave their homes. Those floods were linked to the El Niño weather pattern, which causes heavy rain in the region.
Experts say that these weather disasters are likely to become more common due to climate change. As temperatures rise globally, Somalia and its neighbors may face more intense rainfall and longer droughts.
Call for Global Support
The UN is urging the international community to step up support for Somalia. It says that more funding is needed to help people now and to prepare for future weather disasters. Without enough money, aid groups will not be able to deliver basic services.
Somali authorities have also asked for help from international partners. They say the government alone cannot handle the crisis.
Local communities are doing what they can. In some areas, neighbors are helping each other with food and shelter. But the needs are too large for local aid alone.
Long-Term Solutions Needed
Many experts agree that long-term investments are needed. Somalia needs better flood protection systems, such as stronger riverbanks and early warning systems. Farmers need training on how to protect crops from heavy rains. And aid groups need stable funding to be ready for emergencies.
The current flooding is another sign that climate change is a growing threat in Somalia. As weather becomes more extreme, the country must prepare better to protect its people.
