Somalia: 2025 Gu (April to June) Seasonal Flash Floods - Flash Update No. 1 (as of 22 April 2025)

This Flash Update is prepared by OCHA, in coordination with humanitarian partners and authorities in Somalia, and covers flash floods in the country as of 22 April 2025. The next update will be issued as soon as additional information is available.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Moderate to heavy rains have killed four people including three children and affected nearly 30,000 in parts of Somalia in the last week. Those affected include about 27,000 people in Puntland State alone.
• The rains, marking delayed start to the gu (April to June) season, have been particularly heavy in Puntland and South West States. The infrastructure has been damaged and roads inundated.
• Authorities are appealing for urgent assistance. Partners have initiated assessments to determine the impact and respond, despite very limited resources due to recent funding reductions.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Four people, including three children, have been swept away and nearly 30,000 impacted by flash floods caused by moderate to heavy rains in several areas of Somalia over the last week. The two children and a woman died in Iskushuban district of Bari region, Puntland, while a 12-year-old girl died in Baidoa, South West State.

The rains, marking a delayed start to the gu (April to June) wet season, have come after prolonged dry conditions across the country, and have been particularly heavy in Puntland and South West States. Initial reports by the authorities in Puntland estimate that 4,500 families (27,000 people) have been affected in Bari and Nugaal regions. Four low-lying settlements were inundated, affecting over 300 displaced families (900 people) and destroying shelters, water sources, and latrines. In areas of Qardho district, approximately 1,500 houses and 11 schools have been damaged, disrupting education for 3,700 children. Authorities are calling for immediate support, highlighting the need for cash, food, and sanitation assistance. While some regions may see improved groundwater and vegetation regeneration, significant rainfall is still needed to alleviate the effects of prolonged drought.

In Lower Shabelle region, South West State, flash floods due to heavy rains have impacted a considerable number of people in Afgooye, Wanlaweyn, Qoryooley, Marka districts, and surrounding areas. The flooding has restricted road access and damaged sanitation infrastructure. In Wanlaweyn, over 270 displaced families (1,620 people) have reportedly been affected. Stagnant water in displacement sites has increased the risk of diseases. In Baidoa and surrounding villages, flash floods on 15 and 16 April affected displaced people and host communities, and rendered roads impassable. Water levels along the flood-prone Shabelle river have risen.

Light rains in Doolow, Baardheere, and Beledxaawo in Jubaland State have, in the last few days, inundated makeshift shelters for displaced people. Reportedly, roads connecting Afmadow to Kismayo have become impassable due to flooding, and the only operational airstrip in Dhobley has become non-functional. Water levels on the Juba river have reportedly risen. A forecast by the FAO-managed Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM), indicates that moderate to heavy rains are expected over Bay and Bakool, and parts of Hiraan region with chances of flash floods in some areas. Light rains are likely over the rest of the country, except parts of Puntland and Awdal region where dry conditions are likely to prevail.