The death toll from the floods in Somalia has reached 96, according to the state news agency SONNA. This number was confirmed by Mahamuud Moallim, the head of the country’s disaster management agency. The heavy rains that started in October are caused by the El Nino and Indian Ocean Dipole weather phenomena, affecting not only Somalia but also the rest of east and Horn of Africa. United Nations reports indicate that around 700,000 people have been displaced as a result of the severe flooding, which is described as the worst in decades.
The floods have worsened an already existing humanitarian crisis in the country due to years of insurgency. The situation is dire, with widespread displacement and destruction. In Kenya, the floods have claimed the lives of 76 people and caused massive destruction of infrastructure, leaving many without essential supplies. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has reported the destruction of roads and bridges and an urgent shortage of shelter, drinking water, and food in the affected areas.