The Somali authorities have reported that over a million individuals have been compelled to evacuate their residences due to floods brought on by the El Niño weather phenomenon.
The region is witnessing the most severe downpours in over two decades, resulting in extensive devastation, displacement, and fatalities throughout the Horn of Africa.
This situation coincides with world leaders convening in Dubai for the COP28 summit to address the climate crisis.
Follow our live coverage of COP28. Reportedly, at least 270 people have perished in Somalia, Kenya, and southern Ethiopia. The continental area, emerging from an extended drought, now braces itself for further heavy rainfall.
In Somalia alone, flash floods have claimed over 100 lives.
Entire towns have been submerged, compelling nearly the entire population to seek refuge elsewhere. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has underscored that the nation is in a critical condition.
Neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya are also grappling with extensive flooding.
The forecast anticipates a worsening situation as heavy rains are projected to persist until early next year.
The World Food Programme has highlighted that this exacerbates the food security crisis in the region. Additionally, concerns loom over potential disease outbreaks.
Humanitarian organizations urge world leaders convening at COP28 to consider vulnerable nations, such as those in the Horn of Africa, disproportionately impacted by climate change despite contributing least to its causes.