ReliefWeb

A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

On Monday 2 November 2015, Tropical Cyclone Chapala made a landfall in Yemen; however its effects were also felt across the Gulf of Aden in Somalia where extensive rainfall was experienced in the northern Bari region in Bosaso district, Puntland. Affected areas include Baargaal, Bander, Bareeda, Butiyaal, Caluula, Murcanyo, Qandalla, Xaabo and some parts of Xaafun. In the worst affected coastal villages enormous waves washed away people’s homes, fishing boats and nets. On 4 November 2015, there was more rainfall from Tropical Cyclone Chapala in Berbera district, Somaliland, specifically in Biyacad, Bulahar, Ceelsheik, and Shacable situated on the west coast of Sahil region, causing additional population displacement, and killing livestock. Most of the affected population are nomads who derive their livelihood from pastoralism, as an estimated 3,000 sheep and goats, as well as 200 camels were killed.

Following Tropical Cyclone Chapala, a new Tropical Cyclone named ‘Megh’ arrived from the Arabian Sea causing even more rains in parts of Bari region in Puntland. Areasaffected include, Af Kalahay, Alula, Bareda, BiyoCade, Boolimoog, Dhurbo, Fagoora, Geesalay, Murcanyo, Sayn Weyn, Sayn Yar, Toxin and Xaabo., According to a joint inter-agency rapid assessment more than 500 families (4,000 people) have now been affected by Tropical Cyclones Chapala and Megh, the majority of whom are in living in Bosaso, Puntland, which has been the worst affected. No human loss of life has been reported, but the rainfall and waves have caused damage/destruction to people’s homes and livelihoods, as well as to public infrastructure including boats, hospitals, roads and schools.

Somalia remains in a state of protracted crisis which increases the impact of the challenging climatic conditions, amidst inadequate coping strategies and development assistance. About 3.2 million people are in need of life-saving and livelihood support, while over 1.1 million people are internally displaced. Following Tropical Cyclones Chapala and Megh, an immediate response to support the needs of the affected population is required, given that people in these areas were already extremely vulnerable from the ongoing crisis in the country, and are living in areas with some of poorest humanitarian and human development indicators in the world.