The El Nino weather phenomenon has caused torrential rains and flash floods across parts of East Africa since mid-2023. Reports indicate that more than 350 people have been killed and 1 million people have been displaced across the region. The city of Beledweyne, Somalia alone is 85% underwater. Aid agencies have also reported surges of waterborne diseases like cholera and acute diarrhea due to damaged latrines and lack of access to safe drinking water.

While Islamic Relief has been on the ground across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia since early 2023, we have relaunched an emergency appeal due to the continued need for vulnerable families across the region. Your donations can help provide access to immediate aid, and through your continued support, we can expand programming that works to provide long-term solutions in drought-prone and flood-prone areas.

The threat of famine looms over countries across East Africa including Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia as conflict and climate induced drought have left nearly 20.5 million people without food. Over 8.9 million livestock, a main source of food and livelihood for farming communities across the region, have perished. The struggle to find food and water has forced hundreds of thousands of people across the region to migrate in order to survive, further escalating the crisis. The impact of the war in Ukraine is also a particular cause for concern as food prices continue to soar, and 90% of the wheat, a staple in the region’s diet, comes from either Russia or Ukraine.

Islamic Relief is on the ground across Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia focusing on interventions similar to those in 2011 including food security and access to clean water and sanitation. Through efforts like financial assistance programs; provision of water and hygiene kits; and construction of sanitary facilities, it is our hope to bring dignity to our brothers and sisters across East Africa and let them know they have not been forgotten. Thanks to our supporters, we’re able to help make it possible.

Thanks to you, we’ve been able to accomplish so much. But there’s still so much more to do. By continuing to support our efforts in Africa, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.