IOM Faces Major Funding Shortfall as Floods Threaten to Displace Nearly 874,000 in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|CENTRAL SOMALIA: The International Organization for Migration has received just 14.4 percent of the $16.62 million needed for flood preparedness and response in Somalia, leaving a major funding gap as nearly 874,000 people face possible displacement between October and December.

IOM appealed for urgent financial support to strengthen early warning systems, prepare evacuation routes and provide temporary shelter, clean water and healthcare.

A joint projection by IOM and the Danish Refugee Council estimates that 874,319 people could be forced from their homes during the three-month period, with flooding expected to account for 92 percent of the projected displacement.

The warning comes amid forecasts of above-normal rainfall, threatening communities already weakened by drought and repeated displacement.

Beledweyne and Galkayo are among the locations facing the greatest risks. An estimated 229,000 people could be displaced in Beledweyne and a further 82,000 in Galkayo.

Water levels in the Juba and Shabelle rivers are showing signs of rising, while heavy rainfall in Baidoa has damaged homes and forced families to leave some neighbourhoods.

Beyond displacement, IOM warned that flooding could destroy crops, disrupt livelihoods, contaminate water supplies and restrict access to healthcare and other essential services.

People living in displacement camps face particular risks because many already lack adequate clean water and sanitation.

Without timely action, IOM warned, flooding could deepen Somalia’s humanitarian crisis, placing further pressure on families already struggling with drought, poverty and repeated displacement.