Somalia

Somali government appeals for $230 Million in aid following devastating floods

People wade through a submerged street on a residential area in Beledweyne city of Hiran region on 15 November 2023. (Photo by Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin / ANADOLU / Anadolu via AFP)

By Hanifa Adan | Tuesday, June 11, 2024

The floods, which affected over 2.5 million people, caused staggering losses totalling $176 million and claimed the lives of 188 individuals.

In the wake of the 2023 Deyr floods that wreaked havoc across Somalia, the government has issued a plea for urgent assistance, citing the need for $230 million to aid recovery efforts.

The floods, which affected over 2.5 million people, caused staggering losses totalling $176 million and claimed the lives of 188 individuals.

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Addressing the situation, Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmad Jama stated the importance of collective action, stating, "As we navigate the path to recovery, our collective efforts must prioritise resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable solutions towards disaster management in the country."

The rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report, a collaborative effort between the Somali Government, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union, highlighted the urgent need for intervention.

EU Ambassador Karin Johansson affirmed the commitment to concerted action. "The Somali Government together with all stakeholders will continue their efforts and provide detailed plans addressing the recovery needs, aiming to strengthen the resilience of communities against future floods."

The assessment highlights the grim reality of escalating food insecurity, with an additional 304,980 people facing various levels of food stress and crisis. The report also sheds light on the devastating impact on children under five, with 1.5 million projected to experience severe malnutrition.

George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, emphasised the importance of immediate interventions.

"It is important that the results of the PDNA help us prioritise immediate interventions necessary to address the impact of the floods - restoring livelihoods, housing, water and sanitation services, as well as rebuilding key infrastructure such as bridges."

The World Bank has pledged its support, with Country Manager Kristina Svensson stating, "The World Bank supported flood response collectively puts government in the driver's seat to coordinate and oversee the emergency response."

The Bank has allocated $80 million to provide Emergency Cash Transfers to 215,000 households and is investing in long-term disaster preparedness measures.

The report's findings and recommendations are expected to galvanise national and international response efforts, mobilising support for a timely recovery. With poverty levels set to deepen among vulnerable groups, including nomadic populations and female-headed households, the need for swift action has never been more pressing.