UN Warns Flooding Could Displace More Than 874,000 People in Somalia

UN Warns Flooding Could Displace More Than 874,000 People in Somalia
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The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has warned that more than 874,000 people in Somalia could be displaced between October and December due to anticipated flooding linked to intensifying El Niño weather conditions. A joint assessment by the IOM and the Danish Refugee Council estimates that floods could account for 92% of the projected displacement.

The IOM’s head of mission in Somalia warned that hundreds of thousands of people could lose their homes within weeks, noting that many vulnerable families have already experienced displacement and lack the resources to cope with another disaster. Early signs of flooding have reportedly emerged, with river levels approaching flood thresholds and heavy rainfall damaging homes.

The agencies also warned that flooding could destroy crops, contaminate drinking-water supplies and cut off roads to essential services. With humanitarian funding and resources limited, UN agencies have urged the early delivery of relief supplies to Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya ahead of forecast heavy rains, alongside stronger preparedness and early-evacuation measures to protect at-risk communities.