On May 10, heavy flooding caused by rainfall was reported across the Beledweyne District in the central Hiran region of Somalia. Already affected by drought and the looming threat of famine, families are being forced to flee their homes, with many packing their possessions onto the roofs of mini buses and donkey carts. Roads and bridges across the area have also been made impassable by floodwater, and farmers are at risk of losing their livelihoods as farmland has been completely submerged.

Islamic Relief is working to provide immediate emergency aid to families affected including cash for food, temporary shelter, and other urgent needs.

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.

Islamic Relief has been working in Somalia since 2008. Since then, our focus has been on long-term development assistance to help pull vulnerable communities out of the cycle of poverty. 

A few of our interventions include:

• Food aid
• Access to water and healthcare
• Sustainable livelihood support
• Orphan support
• Emergency aid for natural disasters such as drought, floods, and desert locust infestations