Somalia is grappling with a humanitarian crisis as heavy rains and flooding have killed at least 53 people, displaced over half a million, and affected more than 1.5 million others, according to official sources.

The Somali Disaster Management Agency said on Monday that the floods and rains, triggered by the El-Nino and climate change, have destroyed 5,896 properties across the country since last month.

The agency’s commissioner Mohamed Moalim revealed that the ongoing El-Nino and climate-induced rainy season has caused the destruction of 5,896 properties across the country since last month. The Hiraan, Bakol, Bay, and Gedo regions in the south and central provinces have been particularly hard-hit.

The International Rescue Committee stated that the consequences of the floods are "catastrophic," affecting over 1.77 million people who have lost homes, properties, livestock, and crops.

"With above-normal rainfall expected to persist until the end of 2023, this will exacerbate the already grave humanitarian situation," warned the committee, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and funding.

The heavy rainfall is anticipated to impact up to 1.5 million hectares of farmland, adding to the urgency for humanitarian assistance. The 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan, seeking over $2.6 billion to aid 7.6 million people, remains significantly underfunded at 39%, requiring immediate action to bridge the financial gap.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre visited the affected Gedo region on Monday, expressing solidarity and determination. The government dispatched two planes carrying food and medical supplies to Kismayo and the Somali-Ethiopia border town of Dolow.

Humanitarian needs include mosquito nets, blankets, bed sheets, jerry cans, cooking pans, solar lanterns, and plastic buckets, according to the Somali Disaster Management Agency. Immediate and substantial funding is crucial to address growing humanitarian needs and mitigate the impact of ongoing floods. (ILKHA)