New Hope After the Floods in Somalia

In southern Somalia, relentless seasonal rains have turned communities into landscapes of despair in the last so-called “Deyr” rain season. Torrential floods have displaced thousands of households. As families struggle to survive in overcrowded IDP settlements, the urgent need for shelter and necessities became critical. Discover how Medair's distribution of essential shelter items has restored hope and dignity to those most affected.

Landscapes of Despair

Southern Somalia's vulnerability to extreme weather has been exacerbated by unprecedented downpours, causing rivers to overflow, and submerging entire communities. The flooding overwhelmed fragile infrastructure, cutting off supply routes and complicating rescue efforts. Makeshift shelters and mud-brick houses were destroyed, leaving families without homes. The devastation extended to agricultural lands, wiping out crops and livestock, which are vital sources of food and income. The resulting food insecurity and economic instability have plunged the affected populations into deeper hardship. The floods also contaminated water sources, leading to a rise in waterborne diseases. Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in IDP camps heightened the risk of outbreaks, posing a significant public health challenge. The displaced families face urgent needs for shelter and basic supplies as they cope with the loss of their homes and livelihoods.

Increased Vulnerability

With thousands displaced, available shelter resources are overwhelmed. Many IDPs live in makeshift tents or under plastic sheets, offering minimal protection from harsh weather. Without proper shelter, these families are vulnerable to severe health issues like respiratory infections, compounded by wet conditions and inadequate sleeping arrangements. The influx of displaced individuals has led to overcrowding IDP settlements, exacerbating the spread of communicable diseases, and straining limited sanitation facilities. Furthermore, the displacement has disrupted access to medical care, making it challenging for those with chronic or acute health issues to receive treatment. A lack of healthcare infrastructure in the camps further exacerbates the suffering. Destruction of agricultural lands has resulted in immediate food insecurity and long-term economic instability, creating reliance on humanitarian aid.

The Role of Shelter NFIs

Shelter Non-Food Items (NFIs) like plastic sheets and tarpaulins are crucial for providing immediate protection from the elements. These materials help create makeshift roofs and walls, safeguarding families from rain, wind, and the sun. They also provide a semblance of privacy and security in overcrowded IDP camps. Shelter NFI distributions are coordinated efforts involving humanitarian organisations like Medair, local authorities, and community leaders. The process begins with a needs assessment to identify the most vulnerable individuals and families, ensuring equitable distribution. Logistics teams then transport the NFIs from central warehouses to distribution points, overcoming challenges such as damaged infrastructure and security concerns. The distribution often takes place in designated areas, prioritizing the most vulnerable, such as single-headed households and the elderly.

The plastic sheets and tarpaulins provide crucial immediate protection for IDPs, preventing exposure-related illnesses and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases. These materials allow families to create separate living areas, preserving privacy and safety, especially for women and children. While temporary, they provide a critical foundation for rebuilding. The shelter NFIs offer stability and psychological comfort, helping displaced persons regain a sense of security and a starting point for recovery.

A Moment of Joy

During the distribution of shelter kits in an IDP settlement, we had a conversation with Fartun. As a single mother, she and her children are particularly vulnerable since they lost their livelihood to the floods. The mother shares:

"We have lived in this IDP settlement for several months now. We had to come here because of the El Nino floods. Where we lived, the river overflooded the settlement. The rains were too heavy. It went fast. We did not take a single item out of the house. It was quickly fully covered with water. It is a real emergency why we came here. It is the second time my family has been affected by the El Nino impact. In the last years, we suffered from a severe drought, but at least we had a home where we could stay. Here in the settlement now, we lack shelter and hygiene items. So, I appreciate the NFI distribution you did a lot, and the shelter kits you have given to us. This is what we needed so much. We will use the kit to improve our shelter. I will cover the roof with the plastic sheet and then fix it with the anchor and tie it with the rope. It will be very useful during rain or hot sun. It will protect the other shelter fabric and materials from being destroyed by the weather. My family will be better protected. The wind blows hard here, and the sand can come into our tent because it has holes and then it contaminates the food and other things. The shelter kit will protect us from that as well. I appreciate Medair for the items and the support. We hope you continue to support us here."

Restoring Hope and Dignity

In southern Somalia, our teams provided 2,000 displaced households, comprising 13,340 people, with shelter kits containing two plastic sheets, ropes and eight pegs for temporary shelter to protect them from extreme weather. Medair's distribution efforts in southern Somalia are a testament to the organisation's deep commitment to our core values. Compassion is at the forefront of our mission, as we focus on addressing the immediate survival needs of displaced communities, ensuring that as many people as possible receive the care and support they need and deserve. This approach respects the inherent dignity of each individual, recognizing their humanity and worth, especially in times of crisis.

Neutrality and accountability are also critical principles guiding Medair's work. We ensure that aid is distributed based solely on need, without discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. This impartial approach not only ensures fairness but also fosters trust and transparency in the communities served. By meticulously documenting our processes and outcomes, Medair upholds a high standard of accountability, making sure that resources are utilized effectively and efficiently.

Moreover, our efforts are infused with hope and joy, reflecting our holistic approach to humanitarian aid. This perspective goes beyond the provision of physical necessities; it also includes emotional support. Medair's team offers comfort and encouragement, helping to restore hope and resilience among those affected. This nurturing environment fosters a sense of community and solidarity, encouraging displaced persons to look forward to a brighter future despite the hardships they face. Through this, Medair not only provides immediate relief but also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience.

A Call to Action 

As the people of southern Somalia try to rebuild their lives, your support can make a crucial difference. Donations can provide immediate relief in the form of shelter materials, food, and medical treatment. Advocacy and awareness-raising can amplify the voices of those affected, bringing their plight to the attention of the international community. Continued support from our community will be vital in helping these communities rebuild their livelihoods. Together, we can restore hope, dignity, and stability to these resilient communities, ensuring they not only survive but thrive in the years to come.

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This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.  

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