The rains threaten to inundate 16 of the country’s 18 regions and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
On Wednesday, the United Nations (UN) warned that flooding caused by El Niño between October and December could plunge 5.4 million people in Somalia into famine.
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According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the rains threaten to inundate 16 of the country’s 18 regions and increase the risk of waterborne diseases, while 380 health centers are closed or operating at reduced capacity.
Although contingency plans have been activated, OCHA has called for more resources, as the Humanitarian Response Plan 2026 (US$852 million) has only received 31% of the required funding.
El Niño is a climate phenomenon caused by rising temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, which alters atmospheric patterns and leads to extreme rainfall. Somalia is already facing a hunger and malnutrition crisis stemming from drought, exacerbated by a lack of funds and the weakening of basic services.
❗In Hirshabelle, where floods have left deep scars, residents like Sahara are once again facing the uncertainty and anxiety that El Niño brings pic.twitter.com/dVXUs4JT8l
— WFP Somalia (@WFPSomalia) September 22, 2026
The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis projects that 5.4 million people will be in crisis or worse, including 1.5 million at emergency levels. It also estimates that 1.92 million children under five will require treatment for acute malnutrition between July 2026 and June 2027.
George Conway, UN humanitarian coordinator in Somalia, warned that the floods will undermine fragile livelihoods, displace communities, and increase the risk of disease.
The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) estimated that between 2.5 and 3.5 million people will be exposed to the floods, and at least one million will be displaced. NGOs warn that Somalia could face another food disaster similar to the one in 2011, when nearly 260,000 people died.
Despite the challenges, Somali football referee Omar Artan shares a powerful message of resilience, dedication, and patriotism.
He expresses his unwavering commitment to his journey and encourages the youth to never give up on pursuing their goals. A true example of… pic.twitter.com/C7HpZrVz8m
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 10, 2026
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE
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