Multi-dimensional crises shaped by conflict, drought, and climate shocks are among the constraints faced by Somali people. According to the OCHA 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), almost 7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Somalia . The effects of the historic El Niño floods during the Deyr season in 2023 have impacted over 2.5 million people.
According to FAO Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) projections, such a phenomenon would extend beyond Deyr season in 2023, potentially affecting about 770,000 people. These projections were witnessed since April 2024 – the onset of the Gu rains, which brought above-average rainfall and flash floods, affected more than 163,000 people in 22 districts across the country . The floods caused displacement, loss of lives, damage to livelihoods, and reduced farm productivity, worsening the already difficult situation in Somalia.
The floods exacerbated the living conditions of riverine communities, who are still suffering from the impact of El Niño floods. One of the most affected areas during the Gu season was Luuq district, located in the Gedo region of Jubaland, Somalia. This hard-to-reach area experienced some of the worst flooding, especially in its remote communities.
To act before the crises, Acted implemented a 3-month project named Provision of Anticipatory Multipurpose Cash Assistance for flood preparedness to vulnerable households in Luuq District, from 25th March to 25th June 2024. Funded by the Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF/OCHA), the project’s goal was to improve the preparedness of the most vulnerable families through cash assistance in advance of floods.
Anticipatory Cash Transfers: Enhancing vulnerable communities in Luuq to cope with the consequences of floods in Luuq District
With the support from Somalia Humanitarian Fund (SHF/OCHA), Acted provided anticipatory multipurpose cash assistance for flood preparedness to the most vulnerable communities in Luuq district, Jubaland Somalia. Acted supported 4,000 households with one cycle of cash transfer in 7 targeted IDP camps and 3 host communities.
This project aimed at improving the living conditions of the vulnerable communities by helping them meet their urgent needs and cope with projected floods. This assistance enhanced resilience and reduced the impact of floods by enabling beneficiaries to secure food, Non-Food Items kits, and shelter, thereby mitigating the potential damage to their livelihoods and properties.
Story of Bilan
Bilan Abshir* is 40 years old and a mother of five children in Luuq district. The Deyr floods in 2023 significantly affected Bilan and her family, damaging their home and destroying their property. As a result, Bilan struggled to secure basic needs such as shelter and food.
Her situation improved when she was selected to participate in the flood preparedness project, receiving USD 110 in cash transfers.
This support helped Bilan enhance her resilience and prepare for the anticipated Gu rains. With the cash, she was able to repair her damaged shelter and provide food for her family.
This was a great help for us, as it strengthened our capacity in the face of the challenges we faced, and we were able to prepare well for the Gu floods.
Thanks to the Somalia Humanitarian Fund’s (SHF/OCHA) generous support to this project, Acted has been able to enhance the capacity of vulnerable households in Luuq to meet basic needs and alleviate the consequences of projected floods. 4,000 households were provided with unconditional cash transfer to address their immediate needs and prepare themselves to mitigate against the shocks.
*The name of the beneficiary has been changed to protect her identity.
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