MRDO Started prevention Eli-Nino floods and Dayr rains

 

Prepared and Presented

By

MIDNIMO Relief and Development Organization (MRDO

TABLBE OF CONTENT

 

Particulars	Page
1.0  Executive Summary	3
2.0 MRDO Brief Background 3.0 Report Introduction and Background 4.0 Action Purpose and Goal 5.0 Location and Scope of the Action 6.0 MRDO Interventions 7.0  Proposed mechanisms, preparedness and response activities	5 6 7 7 7 9

 

1.0     Report Executive Summary

This was a two (2) day intervention by MRDO in collaboration with IOM and USAID implemented between 5^th – 6^th October, 2023 aimed at sensitizing the population and prevention of social public infrastructures from damages from anticipated floods from Elnino rains and other effects.

The intervention involved the following actions:-

(i)        Mobilization and sensitization of communities from Elnino effects

(ii)       Acquisition of the 2000 sandbags

(iii)      Prevention and protection of public social infrastructures from flooding using sandbags.

The intervention was successfully implemented targeting a population of approximately 1275 households in the 12 targeted IDP sites.

The report has also been done by MRDO to act as a monitoring tool towards the preparedness for the anticipated elnino rains and accompanied effects.

MRDO is managing a total of 55 IDP sites in the whole of Hirshabelle State, Somalia. Addressing and reducing internal displacement linked with floods, drought and conflict is a priority of the Somali government and its partners. To inform planning for anticipated Elnino rains, flooding, and related effects and better assistance to affected populations, MRDO CCCM team in consultation with CMC and in collaboration with all relevant communities, district, local, regional and national authorities closely work together.

The organization continue with sensitization the communities on the risks they are exposed to and accordingly advised on the required mitigation measures which include evacuation from low land areas to high grounds.

This intervention report highlights the emergency needs of the population in the 12 IDPs sites for any available immediate response and support. The report is further meant to help in guiding for a more inclusive, comprehensive and durable solutions for IDPs and host communities.

2.0    MRDO Brief Background

MRDO is a legally registered organization based in Somalia focusing on improving the lives and livelihoods of marginalized and minority groups and promoting respect for their dignity and fundamental rights while working as a platform on matters humanitarian, human rights and development utilizing the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other human rights instruments.

MRDO is endeavoring to help marginalized and minority groups, women, children and other vulnerable groups who have suffered injustices, hardship and neglect due to war, natural disasters or poverty by offering them the opportunity to develop their independence and protect their dignity for a socially, economically and politically empowered society free of gender inequalities.

The organization is founded on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law with a strong focus on the vulnerable, marginalized and minority groups in all the regions of Somalia and beyond that have been subjects of oppression, discrimination and marginalization for years.

3.0    Report Introduction and Background

3.1     Situation and Risk Analysis

The Deyr rainy season (October- December) holds substantial importance for Somalia as it contributes to over 20% to 30% of its annual rainfall. The season is characterized by a shorter duration and less amounts of precipitation but its beneficial to most water dependent sectors. Given the multi-model rainfall forecast, there is an increasing probability of El Niño to form, which means excess rains and floods in Somalia during the short rains of Deyr. This also includes parts of the Ethiopian highlands which contribute significantly to the flow of both the Juba and Shabelle rivers inside Somalia. The projected El Nino coupled with a predicted positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), it is high likely to result in an above-average rainfall for the upcoming 2023 Deyr season.

The projection has more than 90% certainty, calling on mitigation, preparedness and early action. On the downside, there could be increased risks of flooding along the main two rivers, the Juba and Shabelle, leading to loss of lives, property, population displacement, and destruction of infrastructure and crops in the field. However, flash floods in other (low-lying) areas receiving above-average rainfall are also likely to experience flash floods. The effects of the El Niño phenomenon could further aggravate the humanitarian crisis particularly n IDP sites across the country who could experience disease outbreaks, disruption and reduced access to WASH services, contamination of the natural environment and humanitarian access hindrances.

With the prediction of El Niño in the country, the enhanced rains could also result to groundwater replenishment, good pasture and crop development. Although it will take years for them to fully recover given the severity of the drought, there is a high chance of enhanced rainfall which could provide some relief to areas affected by the recent drought. Regardless of Deyr seasonal performance, WASH humanitarian needs will remain high until the end of 2023, requiring high assistance levels to prevent further deteriorations. It is important to note that WASH Cluster has started preparations to prepositions of essential WASH supplies to WASH hubs ahead of predicted floods El Niño and positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event that could affect up to 1.6 million people in Somalia to mitigate the deepening crisis. The country’s riverine communities are particularly at risk of flooding and could face a potential loss of property and livestock, destruction of WASH facilities, damage to crops, with around 1.5 million hectares of land at high risk of being inundated by flood waters along both the Juba and Shabelle rivers. Main gaps and constraints identified by WASH humanitarian partners are funding constraints.

4.0    Report Goal and Purpose

The specific objective of the intervention was to sensitize the population and prevent and protect social infrastructures from damages from anticipated floods from Elnino rains.

5.0    Location and Scope of the Action

The intervention geographically focused on 12 IDP sites in Beledweyne, Somalia.

6.0    Accomplished Interventions

Activity 1 – Awareness creation and Sensitization  

MRDO team undertook mobilization and awareness creation activities aimed at sensitizing households and communities on the risks and effects of Elnino rains in the targeted 12 IDP sites targeting approximately 1275 HHs.

The captured pictures above show some of the participants during intervention.

Activity 2 – Acquisition of the 2000 sandbags for protection of public social infrastructures

MRDO with technical and financial support from IOM and USAID acquired 2000 sandbags which were used in protecting public social infrastructures such as health centers, toilets, schools, information centers, etc. from possible damages.

During the intervention, the team noted and recorded the need for improved shelters, need for NFIs, Food items, clean drinking water among many other basic needs.

7.0    Proposed Mechanisms, Preparedness and Response Activities

In order to effectively mitigate the effects of the anticipated Elnino rains, there is need for a multi-stakeholders team to undertake the following proposed actions:-

1. i) Conduct stakeholders’ response readiness capacity mapping and planning before the start of the anticipated Elnino rains for an all inclusive, informed planning and support allocation.
2. ii) Need for continuous awareness creation and sensitization of the communities about Elnino rainfall effects.

iii)       Identification of more likely hotspot sites

1. iv) Provision and distribution of emergency shelter plastic sheets, emergency kits and other materials.
2. v) Establishment of a ‘holding centre’ equipped with essential amenities in case of evacuations.
3. vi) Hygiene promotion and messaging.
4.  MRDO Provided whistles for vulnerable disable and people living

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

–  E N D –