The United Nations (UN) has allocated 15 million US dollars to help mitigate the effects of the El Nino rains in Somalia, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The flood emergency is targeting the most vulnerable areas of Hirshabelle and Jubbaland, which have historically experienced the worst effects of floods and are now predicted to be the most at risk of river flooding, OCHA said in its report. The latest humanitarian issue released this week.
“Of particular concern is the impact of heavy flooding in cities where people have been displaced. Partners estimate that half of IDP settlements are located in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. OCHA said an additional funding request has been made to support rescue operations.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, more than 1.2 million people living in river basins are at high risk of flooding. Also 1.5 million hectares of land may disappear if the rains are as predicted.
OCHA said that humanitarian partners are working closely with the authorities and at the national level to prepare and respond to reduce the negative impact of El Nino floods, which are expected in October and December.
