SOMALIA* (1 June)
Following concerns over delayed “gu” rains in several major crop-producing areas in southern Somalia, good rains from mid-April have improved early prospects for the 2005 main season cereal crops, for harvest from August. However, recent heavy rains in both Somalia and the Ethiopian highlands have resulted in flooding that displaced hundreds of families and destroyed large tracts of farm land. Standing crops also face a high risk of flooding and spoilage due to the current heavy rains expected to continue through June. The gu is the main rainy season (April – June) and supports about 70 to 80 percent of the annual cereal production in normal years.
Elsewhere, in the mainly pastoral northwest, northeast and parts of the central regions, however, the gu rains started early and were significantly above normal, by as much as 120 to 300 percent of the long term average. This has improved pasture and water conditions but also caused flash floods, which resulted in loss of human lives, displacement of people and destruction of infrastructure. The floods also disrupted relief interventions in several parts.
Serious humanitarian concerns continue as a result of cumulative effects of successive droughts and insecurity. A recent malnutrition survey in Bosaso IDPs camps found an acute malnutrition rate of 20.3 percent with high child mortality rates. In addition, various indicators suggest that malnutrition levels continue to be significantly above the usual range in parts of Gedo, lower Juba Valley and northern Galgadud Region. Recent clan conflicts in several parts have also displaced a large number of people and disrupted overall economic and livelihood activities. Overall, an estimated one million vulnerable people require humanitarian assistance.