Somalia: 2023 Deyr Season Floods Situation Report No. 4 (As of 10 December 2023)
This report is produced by OCHA Somalia in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It provides information on the flood emergency as of 10 December 2023
HIGHLIGHTS
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Dry conditions were observed across Somalia between 5 to 10 December. Partners reported that water is receding in many areas that were flooded. Along the Juba River, water levels have dropped.
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As of 8th December, water levels are below flood risk levels having dropped from 6.0 m at the peak of flooding to 2.6 m at Dollow, from 7.0 m to 3.02 m at Luuq, and from bank full (12.00 m) to 7.0 m at Buale. Similarly, water levels in Bardheere are below flood risk levels where the bridge which anchored the river gauge was swept away during the height of the floods; along the Shabelle river, flood water is receding.
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The number of people affected by the heavy rains and floods has reached 2.48 million, according to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), with 899,000 displaced (PRMN) and 118 killed across the country.
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Predictions for December indicate minimal rainfall across the country and the Ethiopian highlands, signaling the end of the deyr season. Partners are concerned about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases like Acute watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera as well as denge fever and malaria.
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The Logistics Cluster and partners have delivered 43 boats to support in the relocation of people surrounded by water and the transportation of supplies in 10 flood-affected areas. Helicopters are being used to access 12 out of 19 airstrips in Jubaland, South-West and Hirshabelle states.
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Three weeks to the end of the year, the 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) which requires US$2.6 billion to respond to the needs of 7.6 million most vulnerable Somalis, is just 42 per cent funded ($1,096 million).
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Rains have declined in many areas of Somalia, with dry conditions observed across Somalia last week. Partners in the field report that water is receding in many areas that were flooded. Along the Juba River, the water levels have dropped to below flood risk levels at Doolow, Luuq and Baardheere and Bu’alle. Along the Shabelle river, flood water is receding in Belet Weyne but the river remains at moderate flood-risk level in Jowhar due to breakages on the banks, causing flooding between Jalalaqsi and Jowhar. According to FAO-Somalia Water and Information Management (FAO-SWALIM) programme, predictions for December indicate minimal rainfall across the country and the Ethiopian highlands, signaling the end of the deyr rainy season. As the flood water recedes, partners are concerned about potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases like Acute watery Diarrhoea (AWD)/cholera especially in crowded sites where displaced people are living.
According to SoDMA, at least 2.48 million people have been affected with 1.1 million displaced and 118 killed. Humanitarian partners have stepped up to meet increased needs despite logistical, access and funding challenges, reaching at least 836,000 people with assistance since October. In Hirshabelle and Jubaland where roads have become impassable, the Logistics Cluster and partners have delivered 43 boats to assist in 10 flood-affected areas: Baardheere, Belet Weyne, Jowhar, Luuq, Afmadow, Buurdhuubo, Bulo Burte, Jalalaqsi, Doolow, and Kismayo. In addition, helicopters are being used to access 12 out of 19 airstrips in Jubaland, South-West, and Hirshabelle states. With dry conditions setting in, most of the inundated airstrips are expected to become fully usable.
In alignment with the recommendations in the "Immediate Measures to Strengthen Sub-National Coordination and Mitigate Aid Diversion in Flood Response" document, the Protection Cluster has enhanced subnational coordination capabilities. In Belet Weyne and Jowhar, a national NGO now co-chairs the subnational cluster. Similarly, a local NGO has been designated to co-chair the subnational cluster in South-West State. To bolster coordination, a national roving cluster coordination assistant commenced duties last week. Additionally, a national information management specialist has been deployed to assist the subnational cluster in Hirshabelle. These measures aim to fortify subnational coordination to effective response to flood-related challenges.
UPDATE BY AREA
Reports from Hirshabelle State indicate a steady decrease in the river levels along the upper catchment of the Juba River in the last week. The level has reduced from bankfull (6.00 m) to a safe level of 4.0 m at Doolow, which is 50 cm below the moderate risk threshold. Similarly, at the Luuq gauge station, the level has dropped from bankfull (7.00 m) to 5.16 m, which is 34 cm below moderate risk level. However, at Baardheere, Bu’alle and downstream sections, the river remains bankfull.
In South West State, partners report 50 to 60 cases of AWD/cholera cases being admitted to cholera treatment centers weekly. In areas where schools were flooded, there is a need to ensure water and sanitation facilities are repaired before schools re-open. Due to floods, 18 primary schools have been closed, leaving 6,789 pupils (3,556 boys and 3,201 girls) out of class. At least classrooms in the six schools are destroyed, forcing the pupils to use the available classrooms.
According to the Jubaland Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, 28 health facilities were severely damaged, 691 water resources damaged, and 17.9K latrines damaged. In addition, the floods have devastated 55 different types of roads, according to the Food Security Cluster quoting the Jubaland State Ministry of Public Works Reconstruction and Housing. Bridges have collapsed in Baardheere and Buurdhuubo, while Luuq bridge and quite a number of other bridges have been affected. According to the state Ministry of Livestock over 160,000 animals have been lost due to the floods. According to the state Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation close to 60,000 farms have been adversely affected leading to further deterioration of the precarious food security situation. Food storage systems, seedlings, and canals have been destroyed while agricultural machinery have become obsolete.