New York, United States of America, September 23, 2026/ — OCHA warns that projected El Niño rains could affect up to 3.4 million people across Somalia.
Heavy rains forecast for October to December could impact 16 of the country’s 18 regions – particularly Hiraan, Middle Juba and Lower Juba.
The potential flooding might match or surpass the severe 2023 and 1997 seasons – Somalia’s two worst flood benchmarks – and arrive before communities recover from the prolonged drought this year.
The combination of flooding, displacement and inadequate sanitation could heighten the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks, at a time when at least 380 health facilities have closed or are operating at reduced capacity due to funding constraints. In addition, 115 mobile health units have closed, cutting off the only source of care for many remote and hard-to-reach populations.
The UN and its humanitarian partners – along with the Government – have stepped up preparedness efforts, including risk analysis, contingency planning, anticipatory action, community awareness, and pre-positioning of supplies. However, key gaps remain, particularly in funding and preparedness in high-risk locations.
Building on lessons from the 2023 climate emergency – when floods and drought displaced 2.3 million people and affected millions more – OCHA is coordinating response preparedness at national and state levels to strengthen readiness for flooding and displacement.
However, the window for preparedness is closing. OCHA urgently calls for additional resources to strengthen preparedness and early action ahead of the El Niño season. This year’s $852 million Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is currently only 31 per cent funded, with $262 million received.
