Somalia: Floods and Funding Gaps Deepen Hunger Crisis

The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations warn that El Niño-induced flooding projected for October to December 2026 could push 5.4 million people into crisis-level hunger or worse, while a funding shortfall threatens the response capacity needed to avert a further deterioration.

By Editorial·25 September 2026

Somalia faces a compounding humanitarian emergency as anticipated El Niño-related flooding and critical funding gaps threaten to deepen an already severe hunger and malnutrition crisis. The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations issued a joint warning that deteriorating conditions could push millions of people — especially children — into extreme food insecurity and acute malnutrition during the October-to-December 2026 period.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis projects that 5.4 million people will face crisis levels of hunger or worse between October and December 2026, with 1.5 million facing emergency levels of hunger or worse. The same analysis estimates that 1.92 million children under five will require treatment for acute malnutrition between July 2026 and June 2027, including 433,000 with severe acute malnutrition — described as the deadliest form. Nearly 62 per cent of the country's malnutrition burden is concentrated among rural populations.

Internally displaced people in Belet Weyne and in displacement sites in Baidoa are projected to reach Extremely Critical levels of acute malnutrition (IPC Phase 5) as anticipated flooding disrupts access to services. Baidoa, in the Bay region, also carries a famine risk for its displaced population — a risk assessment based on data collected in April 2026, with a follow-up planned for October 2026. By contrast, acute malnutrition in the nearby Burhakaba district has improved following the Gu rains and a scale-up of humanitarian response there.

According to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), between 2.5 and 3.5 million people could be exposed to flooding, with around 1 million likely to be displaced from farming and grazing areas. Agropastoral communities already weakened by below-average 2026 Gu rains are identified as among the hardest hit. Rural riverine and agropastoral areas face the destruction of crops and livestock, loss of market access, and new waves of displacement.

George Conway, Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, called for "urgent action and additional resources to protect lives, strengthen preparedness and prevent this crisis from deteriorating further." SODMA Commissioner Mohamuud Moallim Abdullahi urged partners and donors to support early action to "protect lives and livelihoods, and reduce human suffering." FAO Representative Etienne Peterschmitt stressed that "urgent funding is needed to turn early warnings into action."

The Federal Government and the UN are calling for immediate financing of food and cash assistance, pre-positioning of supplies before October flooding restricts road access, and scaled-up nutrition, health, and water and sanitation outreach in the highest-risk districts. Funding decisions taken in the coming weeks, the statement notes, will determine whether assistance can still reach communities once roads are cut.

This article is based on a verified primary source. The text was editorially reviewed and fact-checked prior to publication.

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