In a concerning announcement, the United Nations has warned that Somalia is currently facing a “once-in-a-century event” of heavy seasonal rains, which could affect more than 1.6 million people. As the floods continue to wreak havoc, the UN has released $25 million in aid to address the dire situation. Devastating consequences have already been observed, with at least 29 people losing their lives and over 300,000 individuals displaced. These figures are expected to rise as the rain persists.
The floods in Somalia have been exacerbated by two climate phenomena – El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. El Niño is responsible for extreme weather conditions worldwide, which includes heavy rainfall. Coupled with the Indian Ocean Dipole, which results from temperature differences in the ocean, the impact of these climate factors has been catastrophic in Somalia.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted the potential destruction of 1.5 million hectares of farmland. This could have severe and long-lasting effects on food security and livelihoods. Martin Griffiths, the UN’s Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, emphasized the rising humanitarian needs and the vulnerability of communities in Somalia and across other afflicted regions. Urgent action is required to mitigate the imminent crises.
Rescue and relief efforts have faced significant obstacles due to impassable roads caused by the floods. Additionally, camps accommodating those previously displaced by both an Islamist insurgency and a recent drought have now been flooded, forcing people to flee for the second time. The situation has reached a critical juncture, demanding immediate attention and resources from aid groups and international organizations.
Further intensification of rainfall is anticipated, with southern Somalia expected to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the upcoming days. The country, already grappling with the effects of climate change, has suffered immensely from prolonged droughts prior to this sudden deluge. The overflowing of the Juba and Shabelle rivers, triggered by heavy rains, initiated the destructive flooding. Neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia have also been affected by flash floods, resulting in numerous fatalities.
Given the severity of the situation, Somalia declared a state of emergency in the most impacted states, including Jubbaland, Hirshabelle South West, and Galmudug. The international community must step up its efforts to provide immediate assistance and support to these regions. The humanitarian crisis unfolding in Somalia serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation strategies.
East Africa had been predicted to experience heavy rains during the October-December period due to the El Niño phenomenon. El Niño originates from warming in the Pacific Ocean and contributes to flooding, cyclones, droughts, and wildfires. Although multiple factors contribute to flooding, climate change-induced warming increases the likelihood of extreme rainfall events.
The UN’s warning about the severe floods in Somalia calls for international cooperation and immediate action. With millions of lives at stake, it is imperative to address this “once-in-a-century” event and protect the affected communities. The global community must prioritize sustainable climate policies, disaster preparedness, and aid initiatives to minimize the devastating impact of such disasters.
