Somalia on the Brink: Climate Shocks, Soaring Food Prices, and a Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

 Somalia on the Brink: Climate Shocks, Soaring Food Prices, and a Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Somalia is facing a worsening humanitarian crisis as climate shocks and rising food prices push millions into deeper vulnerability. Torrential rains since mid-April have caused deadly floods, killing at least 17 people and displacing over 8,000. In Banadir alone, flash floods on May 9 destroyed 1,000 shelters and claimed nine lives.

The UN reports that 4.6 million Somalis are facing acute hunger, with 1.8 million children under five at risk of severe malnutrition. Floods have devastated crops, drowned livestock, and damaged infrastructure, while aid funding remains dangerously low — only 11% of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan is currently funded.

Despite challenges, there are glimpses of hope: in Adado, 117 displaced families received climate-resilient homes, and humanitarian groups continue to deliver aid in hard-hit regions. The Somali government has also formed an emergency task force to improve coordination.

But with more rain forecast and services stretched thin, urgent international support is needed now to prevent further suffering.