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DEMAC's Response to Unprecedented Floods in Somalia

The historic flooding during the October-December 2023 Deyr season, influenced by El Niño, affected 36 districts, impacting 2.5 million and displacing 1.7 million people in Somalia (UN OCHA). DEMAC is supporting diaspora responders in addressing urgent humanitarian needs resulting from this crisis. UN OCHA warned in a statement that this is a "flood event of a magnitude statistically likely only once in 100 years, with significant anticipated humanitarian impacts." As rains subsided, communities affected by the floods faced urgent needs caused by displacement, damage to infrastructure, and a cholera outbreak. 

Heavy rainfall has restarted in Somalia since April 19th 2024, causing flash floods and rapid river level rises in various regions in Somalia. The Gu rainy season has already threatened 770,000 individuals across 22 districts, exacerbating the already critical outbreaks of cholera and acute watery diarrhea, which have already afflicted over 7,000 individuals this year.

In partnership with IOM and Global Somali Diaspora, DEMAC is supporting diaspora organizations in responding to the crisis through hosting bi-weekly coordination meetings for diaspora to coordinate their responses and providing regular situation updates.

DEMAC's response in Somalia is made possible with funding from and in partnership with IOM. Explore more about the partnership here.

Somali Diaspora Organizations' Areas of Intervention

Health

Food Security

Emergency Shelter

Education

How you can get involved

We are dedicated to enhancing Somali diaspora engagement in humanitarian response, recognizing diasporas' crucial role in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by the current floods. Here's how you can get involved:

  1. Diaspora Coordination Meetings: Join our bi-weekly coordination meetings to actively participate in collaborative response efforts. Registration links are shared in our newsletters and on social media channels.
  2. Diaspora Mapping: If you are part of a Somali diaspora organization, please register your response here to ensure your inclusion in the diaspora mapping.

  3. Register your organization on our website and become a member of our DEMAC Community: Sign-up here.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date by following our social media channels for updates on the flood response, and subscribe to our newsletter to get invited to coordination meetings.

Somali Diaspora Response Map

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Highlights of Diaspora Responses

Diaspora organizations have been vital in addressing the widespread impact of floods since October 2023. Their initiatives include improving access to essential resources like food, clean water, and sanitation services.

Some diaspora groups are not just meeting immediate needs but also coordinating the reconstruction of crucial infrastructure, like bridges. They're also providing cash support for food and shelter, with a special focus on restoring water sources, training health staff, and holding awareness workshops. Advocacy for humanitarian aid, both internationally and within local communities, is a key aspect of diaspora initiatives.

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Diaspora Organizations involved in the response

DEMAC is a global initiative aiming at enhancing mutual knowledge and coordination, communication and coherence between diaspora humanitarian actors and the institutional humanitarian system.

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