Pooled funds bring emergency water to people affected by El Niño floods

Somalia| 2023 | CBPF

Somalia, Dollow. El Niño triggered devastating floods in Somalia October to December 2023, intensifying the already major humanitarian needs for people facing severe drought, food insecurity, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks. A complex humanitarian crisis driven by climate change.

The floods displaced over one million people, and extensively damaged crops, farmland, roads and bridges. Over 2.48 million people were affected by the floods.

As the flood waters recede, people are gradually returning to their homes.  However, their needs remain high as they navigate the path of recovery. 

Safe water sources were destroyed

In Dollow, the floods caused significant destruction, destroying sanitation infrastructure and leading to an increase in illness. In the Kaharey camp for internally displaced persons, people like Qumaan Nur Ali and her family are struggling. “We had no place to sleep or cook as our tent was filled with water. It has been an incredibly challenging time for me and my children.”

The flood also destroyed the only safe water source for the community, a single well, so they had no choice but to bring contaminated water from the river. Qumaan explained that the river water is dirty, and there are crocodiles there, making it a dangerous trip.

Emergency water trucking

With funding from the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF), Somali NGO Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD) provided clean water for at-risk and El Niño-affected displaced people – and host communities – in Kurdubey and Kaharey IDP camps in Dollow District for three months.

Almost 3,000 people, including Qumaan and her children, can now access clean water from water bladders filled by the water trucks here. These efficiently distribute water to a purpose-built water standpoint with six taps, providing the community with a reliable, safe, and easily accessible clean water source for drinking and other domestic needs.

Thanks to the project, Qumaan and her children have clean water every day. This has significantly reduced illness, especially among children.

The water trucking has been a critical help, but it is not a permanent solution. “NAPAD came to our help when we needed them most. We hope the programme can continue until we get a sustainable source of clean water,’’ Qumaan said.

For more information: visit the Somalia Humanitarian Fund website, and find real-time contribution and allocation data on the POOLED FUNDS DATA HUB.