Flooding could displace nearly 874,000 people in Somalia, UN warns

Flooding could displace 874,319 people in Somalia between October and December as the country braces for above-average rainfall linked to strengthening El Niño conditions, the UN migration agency warned on Wednesday. 

Flooding accounts for 92% of the projected displacement, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Danish Refugee Council.

"We are looking at the possibility of hundreds of thousands of people losing their homes in just a matter of weeks," said Manuel Marques Pereira, IOM's chief of mission in Somalia, warning that many affected families had already been displaced.

The IOM said it had secured only 14.4% of the $16.62 million needed to prepare for and respond to flooding.

Signs of rising flood risks are already emerging, with rivers approaching flood levels and heavy rainfall damaging homes. Floodwaters could also destroy crops, contaminate water sources and disrupt access to essential services, the agency said.

The IOM urged international partners to urgently fund preparedness and response efforts before conditions worsen.

The World Meteorological Organization warned on Wednesday that the developing El Niño could become one of the strongest on record. The UN humanitarian chief also called for supplies to be delivered to Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya within the next two weeks ahead of expected heavy rains.

(With input from wires)