UN Allocates $25 Million to Aid Somalia’s Flood-Stricken Population

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has allocated $25 million to aid Somalia’s flood-stricken population. Heavy rains and flooding have already affected around 1.2 million people in the country. The funds will be used to address issues such as loss of life, disease outbreaks, and food insecurity. The ongoing deyr rainy season in Somalia could potentially impact 1.6 million people, with 1.5 million hectares of farmland at risk of destruction. The combination of El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole phenomenon has led to increased rainfall, and the situation is predicted to be a flood event that statistically occurs once in a century. The UN has allocated $10 million from the Central Emergency Fund (CERF) and an additional $15 million from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund to support relief efforts. The funds will help prevent loss of life and manage disease outbreaks and food insecurity. The ongoing El Niño phenomenon is expected to further escalate humanitarian needs in Somalia and other vulnerable communities around the world. The immediate assistance from the CERF will benefit over 280,000 people, while the Somalia Humanitarian Fund will support over 420,000 people. The international community aims to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.