In the wake of severe floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change, approximately 25% of Somalia is anticipated to grapple with “crisis-level hunger or worse” this year, according to the World Food Program (WFP).
The United Nations has classified the recent floods, displacing hundreds of thousands in Somalia and neighbouring East African nations, as a once-in-a-century event following an unprecedented drought earlier this year.
WFP spokesperson Petroc Wilton emphasised the dire situation: “Livelihoods and lives are at risk; 4.3 million people – a quarter of the population – are forecast to face crisis-level hunger or worse by the end of this year.”
The relentless onslaught of climate-related shocks, from droughts decimating livestock to devastating floods impairing recovery efforts, has deepened the hunger crisis in Somalia. Homes abandoned, roads transformed into rivers, and the loss of essential supplies have left communities in despair.
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In the Dolow district, near the Ethiopian border, Farxhan Ali Abdulle, a local shop owner, expressed the gravity of the situation, noting, “There is a serious shortage of goods, fuel, food, and all other things in the city. We really will be feeling the impact.”
Ongoing struggles
As heavy rains persisted since early October, the ensuing floods have claimed at least 32 lives and displaced over 456,800 people in Somalia, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In Dolow, navigating the worst-hit areas has become perilous due to animals in the floodwaters, prompting residents to voice concerns about crocodiles and other hazards.
“Some families from Dolow have been moved to camps for internally displaced people,” shared Dolow resident Timaade Hussein Abdi, highlighting the urgent need for sustained international support.
Aid organisation World Vision reported successful rescues of over 400 people trapped by flooding, underlining the critical role of global assistance in alleviating the multifaceted challenges faced by Somalia’s affected population.
