The ICRC response to the El Nino flooding in Somalia - Report

In late August 2023, based on meteorological forecasts from the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre and other sources, and in anticipation of severe humanitarian need, the ICRC took the decision to pivot the Somalia programme to prepare for and respond to expected extreme flooding caused by El Niño. Existing activities in the south of Somalia were put on hold and the delegation refocus on expected riverine flooding along the Shabelle and Juba rivers in October. This report covers ICRC response from October 2023 to January 2024.

This is the first instance of the ICRC undertaking an Anticipatory Action based approach at a whole of delegation level, using scientific climate data to anticipate, prepare for and respond to humanitarian crises at scale ahead of disaster striking. This document provides a brief analysis of the response, actions undertaken by the ICRC and its partner the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS) and key learning points.

Learn more by downloading the report.