The British government has announced £5 million in new funding to support vulnerable communities in Somalia in preparing for floods expected to result from El Niño during the Deyr rainy season (October to December).
This funding will strengthen early warning systems, assist families in safely relocating from high-risk areas, and ensure the continuity of health, nutrition, and water services for flood-affected communities.
The support will also reach approximately 100 camps for displaced persons, providing mobile health services and livelihood protection for residents in flood-prone areas, particularly Jowhar and Beledweyne.
Under the plan, up to 600,000 people will benefit from essential services, including healthcare, nutrition, water, sanitation, and social protection.
The funds will also help keep up to 71 health facilities operational and extend services to communities displaced or cut off from their areas by the floods. The British government has stated that Somalia is preparing for the impact of El Niño, at a time when recurrent droughts, conflict, and displacement have already affected many parts of the country.
It is estimated that between 2.5 million and 3.5 million people could be affected by the floods, making early action and preparedness crucial for saving lives and livelihoods.
Chris Pycroft, the Development Director at the British Embassy in Mogadishu, stated that the floods need not turn into a humanitarian disaster if early measures are taken.
He noted that funding provided before the floods occur could enable families to relocate to safe areas and allow essential services to continue, while also protecting people’s livelihoods.
The funding announcement was made at the Somalia Humanitarian Forum held today in Mogadishu, attended by the Somali government, aid agencies, and international partners, who discussed how to strengthen preparedness for the anticipated floods.
