Somalia: 2023 Deyr Rainy Season Situation Report #1

The Deyr rainy season in Somalia, spanning from October to December, has triggered significant challenges, including displacement, loss of life, and infrastructure damage. The FAO warns that over 1.2 million people in flood-prone areas are at risk of displacement, with 1.5 million hectares of land potentially inundated. The onset of El Niño is expected to exacerbate rainfall and flooding. Flash floods have damaged critical infrastructure, leading to potential water- and vector-borne diseases. The disruption of aid delivery is hampered by impassable muddy grounds. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, with a high risk of gender-based violence. The 2023 Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview reveals that 8.25 million people require assistance, with specific concerns for women and girls of reproductive age. Displacement increases vulnerability, impacting access to essential services and escalating risks, including economic hardships and gender-based violence. The flooding is anticipated to cause a surge in miscarriages, stillbirths, and pregnancy complications, emphasizing the urgent need for continued access to reproductive health services amid the escalating crisis.