The United Nations has labeled the floods in Somalia and East Africa as a once-in-a-century event, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. Around 1.6 million people could be affected by the seasonal heavy downpour worsened by El Niño and the Indian Ocean dipole. Somali authorities declared an emergency, with at least 10 people dead since the flash floods began. The flood was made more likely by a human-induced climate crisis.
Floods in Somalia and Northern Kenya have killed at least 29 people and forced over 300,000 people to flee from their homes. The worst flood in four decades has also flooded camps for displaced people, with over 100,000 people displaced and 2,400 trapped in floodwaters in Jubaland. Other regions, including Hirab, Puntland, Gulad, and Southwest, are also severely affected. Large-scale displacement, increased humanitarian needs, and property destruction are likely.
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In Jubaland, local authorities are appealing for urgent support for more than 14,000 families that have been cut off from the main town and are unable to replenish their domestic supplies. Somalia is facing severe floods, with over 200,000 people affected in the southwest and Jubaland states. Heavy rains and floods have destroyed camps, cut off electricity and internet connections, and caused deaths in Gulad and Bdale Districts.
The UN's Martin Griffith warns that the extreme weather linked to El Niño risks increasing humanitarian needs and affecting vulnerable communities. In addition, the meteorological survey agency attributes extreme heat to El Niño and global heating, with higher temperatures predicted to persist through November and December. The mild winters may result in less snowfall, and Tokyo's ginkgo trees have yet to turn yellow. October 2023 marked another record-breaking month, making 2023 likely the warmest year ever."
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