Somalia Rain Watch

This watch is intended to provide updated information on Gu rains in order to facilitate contingency and response planning Valid up to April 14, 2006

Substantial Rains received in southern Somalia and parts of the northwest

Heavy rains fell over much of southern and parts of northwest Somalia over the last week (See Figure 1). These rains improved water access for the drought affected pastoral and agropastoral communities in those regions.

Satellite images indicate and field reports conform that Awdal and Hawd of Hargiesa have received a substantial amount of rainfall over the last week. However, Togdheer, Sanaag, Sool, Bari, Nugal, Mudug and Galgadud regions received only light showers, which did not have a major impact in terms of water availability for people or livestock. A comparison between the actual and the normal rainfall at this time of year shows above normal rains in most of southern Somalia but slightly less than normal rainfall in central Somalia, Sool, Nugaal and Sanaag region. Berkads in the Hawd and Sool plateau livelihood zones are reported to be dry, and water trucking continues in Burao, Odweine and Ainabo districts.

The south, with the exception of parts of Hiran Region and Adale and Warsheikh Figure 1: Rainfall estimate (mm) Figure 2: Seven day rainfall forecast districts (Middle Shabele), received good April 2-8 2006 April 7-14, 2006 rains. Gedo, Middle Juba, Lower Juba, Awdal Bari Bay and parts of Lower Shabele received W Galbed Sanag heavy rains with totals of up to 70 mm. Togdhe Sool Awda l Sanag Bari Rains replenished water sources and Nugal W galbed Togdher prompted large migrations of pastoralists Sool Mudug from riverine and farming areas into the Nugal traditional grazing areas in the hinterland. G. Gadud

Mudug Bakol Hiran The upper catchments of Juba and G/Gadu Shabele rivers in the Ethiopian highlands d Gedo M Shabele Bakol Hiran have also received heavy rains, which has Bay increased river levels. The Somali/Kenyan L Shabele Grdo M M Jubao Bay Shabele border also received good rains. L Shabele M L Juba Jubal

So far, good rains have eased water L shortages in the drought-affected pastoral Juba and agropastoral areas in the south, but pasture regeneration will take several more days.

Although rains have been good so far, it is Source: NOAA/CPC/FEWS NET too early to determine the overall performance of the Gu season. The seven-day forecast for April 7-14 (see Figure 2) does not anticipate significant rains in most of Somalia, thought some parts of Gedo Region, may receive some rains.

SOMALIA

FEWS NET acknowledges contribution from key partners especially FSAU, WFP, World Vision and several Somali NGOs and key informants who provided ground truthing about the intensity and distribution of the rainfall in their respective areas of operation.

FEWS NET Somalia FEWS NET is funded by the US Agency for Tel: (254) 20-3754952 Kalson Towers, Parklands International Development Fax: (254)-2- 3750839 P.O. Box 66613 www.fews.net E-mail: [email protected] Nairobi, Kenya