disaster
Somalia: El Niño threatens deadly floods and disease across East Africa and Asia
By International Rescue Committee at ReliefWeb
· July 13, 2026
· 3 min read
Countries: Somalia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda . In Somalia, June data pointed to a 60% chance of above-average rainfall across the south and southwest, and forecasters are watching a July 15 update that will determine funding and planning for anticipatory action. Overlapping c
Key takeaway In Somalia, June data pointed to a 60% chance of above-average rainfall across the south and southwest, and forecasters are watching a July 15 update that will determine funding and planning for anticipatory action.
Why this matters
The looming El Niño threat in Somalia and surrounding regions highlights the complex interplay between natural disasters, displacement, and humanitarian funding. With 4.8 million people in Somalia already in need of urgent aid, the anticipated flooding and disease outbreaks will further strain resources and coping mechanisms. The regional implications are significant, with Kenya, Uganda, and other countries bracing for similar impacts. The situation is particularly dire for communities already affected by drought and displacement, as they have limited resources to absorb another shock. The call to action by Bob Kitchen, IRC Vice President for Emergencies, underscores the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of El Niño. Faith-based organizations and humanitarian groups will play a critical role in responding to the crisis, and their efforts will be closely watched as the situation unfolds. Effective anticipatory action and funding will be crucial in reducing the risk of devastating floods and disease outbreaks.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: disaster ·
Published: July 13, 2026 ·
Source: ReliefWeb ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Countries: Somalia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Kenya, Pakistan, Uganda . In Somalia, June data pointed to a 60% chance of above-average rainfall across the south and southwest, and forecasters are watching a July 15 update that will determine funding and planning for anticipatory action. Overlapping c
When was this published? This article was first published on July 13, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by International Rescue Committee at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
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