Heavy rains to affect about 770,000 Somalians – UN

The upcoming heavier normal Gu rains and floods in 22 districts of Somalia will affect some 770,000 people, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Sunday.

OCHA said the Gu (April to June) rains have started in most Somali regions with heavy rains in some areas. But no flash or riverine flooding has been reported yet.

“Humanitarians have developed a plan to mitigate the anticipated impact of the Gu rains.

However, they require urgent resources to ensure timely response,” OCHA said in its latest humanitarian update released in Mogadishu.

According to the UN agency, some 51 boats are available to evacuate people. They will also deliver assistance in priority locations along the Shabelle and Juba rivers.

Assistance will also reach areas that may be cut off or they will evacuate people who may be marooned.

“In various hotspot locations, partners are conducting gap analysis and engaging in early warning and community awareness activities, especially in evacuation sites,” OCHA said.

However, the rains have brought relief to pastoralists and agropastoralists across the country. It is regenerating pasture and filling up water points.

In late 2023, heavy Deyr (October to December) rains and flooding displaced 1.6 million people, according to the UN.

Last month, OCHA warned that heavy rains may also trigger cholera outbreaks in areas where the disease has not been observed in years.

OCHA said it has teamed up with its partners and the Somalia health authorities to step up response and preparedness activities.

These are guided by a six-month plan of action that requires $5.9 million to implement. (Xinhua)