A recent spike in seasonal rainfall in parts of East Africa has caused widespread flooding across large parts of Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The situation in the regions affected by the floods is dire – people have lost their homes, their livelihoods and their lives.

In Kenya floods have displaced more than 270,000 people and this figure is expected to rise, based on projections of continued rainfall in flood-prone areas.

Of those that have been affected, many are staying in camps or open areas, while some have sought shelter with host families and communities. Many areas remain inaccessible making it difficult to determine the exact number of people affected. In Ethiopia over 170,000 people have been displaced nationwide.

A national emergency has been declared in Somalia as the floods have destroyed people’s homes and compelled them to leave in order to save their lives. Close to 718,000 people have been affected by the flash flooding in five regions of Somalia. Over 220,000 have been displaced from their homes.

These people have had to flee their homes in order to find shelter and safety for themselves and their families.

A national emergency has been declared in Somalia as the floods have destroyed people’s homes and compelled them to leave in order to save their lives

Beletweyne town and its surrounding areas have been particularly hard hit with over 204,000 people displaced and more than 75% of the town under water. Floods have washed away households, small shops, crops and livestock.

The Islamic Relief teams on the ground have conducted rapids needs assessments and identified the following areas as priority: WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene), Food, Shelter, Non-Food Items, Livelihoods and Health.

… over 204,000 people displaced and more than 75% of the town under water.

We are working with partners and relevant stakeholders to conduct an effective response. Our team in Somalia is initiating its WASH activities: water trucking and the construction of latrines and in Kenya we have been providing food assistance to affected households.

Islamic Relief is also currently distributing Ramadan food packs, many of which have been diverted to the flood affected people at this critical time, delivering these packs by boat to people who are trapped, surrounded by water.

In response to the emergency, Islamic Relief Australia will be supporting flood affected communities in Beletweyne district through the provision of integrated food security, WASH and shelter interventions.

This will be be implemented through the provision of Emergency Shelter and Hygiene Kits. As well as distribution of food packs, clean water and clean water storage among households.