Silent emergencies and disasters occur every day around the world. In mid-November 2013, a tropical cyclone struck the Puntland region of Somalia with wind, rain and flash flooding. This event caused the loss of human lives and the destruction of livelihood assets, settlements, service centers, roads, schools, communications and electrical installations. The Somali Red Crescent estimates that 142,380 people were affected by this disaster and needs remain acute nearly three months since the disaster.
Many people in Somalia who survived the storm had their livelihoods severely effected. It is estimated that pastoralists in the country lost between 70 to 90 percent of all their livestock and a total of 1,435 households lost all their livestock. Farmers have not only lost their crops but also the equipment they use to to pump water to their farms, and fishermen lost their boats.
"People living in this part of Somalia are living in extreme poverty," said Finn Jarle-Rode, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies regional representative for eastern Africa. "They remain vulnerable from these recurring 'silent' disasters which don't often receive the attention of large scale climate-related disasters. They lack the resources at the household and community level to bounce back from these shocks, which is why it is vital we respond quickly and efficiently."
How the IFRC is responding
The IFRC is working with the Government of Somalia and the Somalia Red Crescent Society to help an estimated 3,300 households who have been impacted by this devastating cyclone. The focus has now been placed on helping these individuals recover from this disaster. Currently, most of the roads that had previously been cut off are now accessible to the public, and food and essential household items have been distributed to many of those who were affected. Furthermore, the risk of waterborne diseases has been reduced in many households thanks to water treatment and hygiene promotion efforts. This is particularly important as the risk of an outbreak of water-related diseases is heightened following landfall of a cyclone.
The Canadian Red Cross and Government of Canada are supporting the Somalia Red Crescent response to this disaster. You can support this effort by making a donation today to the Canadian Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund.