Alert note: Report on Somalia flood situation

Somali Danish Women in Action (SDWA) has submitted an alert note due to floods in Somalia.

As of 15th May 2024, the flood situation in Somalia remains severe, with heavy rains and flash floods affecting millions of people across the country. The Gu season floods have already impacted over 203,000 individuals, resulting in the displacement or relocation of approximately 37,000 people and the tragic loss of 7 children. The floods have caused significant destruction and damage to infrastructure, including the loss of 3,080 shelters and 4,702 latrines, damage to 3 schools, and the death of at least 100 livestock. The submersion of shallow wells poses a serious risk of cholera outbreaks. Along the Shabelle River, water levels in Belet Weyne were above moderate risk levels as of May 6th. Similarly, in the Juba River, water levels at Doolow have exceeded high flood risk levels due to heavy rains.

The ongoing heavy rains and floods in Somalia are exacerbated by climate phenomena such as El Niño and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole. These climate changes contribute to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including both droughts and floods, making the humanitarian situation increasingly precarious. Women and children bear the brunt of these climateinduced hardships. In times of drought and floods, they are often the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of displacement, loss of livelihood, and health crises. The disruption of education for children and the destruction of infrastructure essential for daily living exacerbate their plight.

During the floods in Somalia, women and children face specific challenges that exacerbate their vulnerability. Here are the key challenges faced by women and children during the floods in Somalia: Displacement and Loss of Shelter, Increased Risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Limited Access to Services, Food Insecurity and Malnutrition, Education Disruption, Increased Risk of Early Marriage, Inadequate Protection and Shelter, Health Risks and Disease Outbreaks.