Tropical Cyclone Gati Update #2 As of 24 November 2020

Highlights

• Tropical Cyclone Gati made landfall in Somalia on 22 November, weakening as the storm has moved westwards.

• Authorities in Bari region estimate that 42,000 people have been displaced and 3,800 shelters destroyed or damaged, while 4,500 families have reportedly lost livelihoods and income.

• State established an ad hoc inter-ministerial emergency committee on 23 November to coordinate with humanitarian partners in the state on the response. Situation overview Tropical Cyclone Gati, which hit parts of Somalia on 22 November, has weakened, with the storm moving westwards along the coastal areas of Sanaag region. However, heavy rains have triggered flash floods in Puntland’s Bari region, especially in the coastal and inland areas. According to the local administration in Bari, an estimated 27,000 people have been displaced in Bossaso town, bringing the total number of displaced people in Bari to about 42,000. Further reports indicate that more than 3,800 shelters were destroyed or damaged, while 4,500 families have reportedly lost livelihoods and income following damage to businesses and infrastructure in the town and surrounding areas. The heavy rains have caused Ceel-Daahir river (90km southeast of Bossaso) to flood, making it impassable to vehicles using the Qardho-Bossaso road. Other roads in and around the town remain blocked, preventing access to the affected population, especially in the areas of 100 Bush, Tawakala, Sayladda Xoolaha and Bariga Bossaso. Authorities in Puntland State estimate that the storm has directly or indirectly affected some Areas of Somalia that have been affected by Tropical Cyclone Gati. 180,000 people across Bari region, but the numbers Source: OCHA may change once the assessments are complete. In addition, reports indicate that huge ocean waves are continuing to batter the coastal areas of and surrounding villages, forcing resident to flee to higher grounds. According to the FAO’s Somalia Water and Land Information Management Project (SWALIM), some areas received more than their expected total annual rainfall within 24 hours, including Bosasso (128mm), Balidhadin (103mm), Iskushuban (72mm) and Caluula (72mm). Several other places experienced heavy downpours on 23 November. The rainfall forecast for Somaliland and Puntland is calling for moderate rains in the next couple of days and a reduction towards the end of the week. The Ethiopian highlands and southern parts of Somalia are also expected to experience moderate to heavy rains in the course of the week, although these are not necessary associated with Gati.

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to Coordinate the global emergency response to save lives and protect people in humanitarian crises. We advocate for effective and principled humanitarian action by all, for all. www.unocha.org/somalia Somalia

Tropical Cyclone Gati Floods Update #2 | 2

Humanitarian needs and gaps In Qandala district and parts of Baargaal, floods have destroyed 70 houses and two small boats. An unknown number of livestock (camels, goats, and sheep) have reportedly been killed. In , several farms with crops and water facilities were damaged and washed away by the flash floods following the heavy rainfall. According to Puntland authorities, affected people need emergency shelter, food, clean water, and sanitation and health services.

Flash floods from Cyclone Gati in Xaafuundistrict. Photo: OCHA

Humanitarian coordination and response Puntland’s Vice President established an ad hoc inter-ministerial emergency committee on 23 November to coordinate with humanitarian partners in the state on the response to affected populations. The authorities have appealed for immediate mobilisation of humanitarian assistance to help those affected. A joint meeting of the ad hoc committee and humanitarian partners is planned for 24 November. An inter-agency assessment to establish the extent of the floods in Bossaso is also planned for 24 November.

Building damaged by cyclone Gati in Xaafuun district. Photo: OCHA

For further information, please contact:

Ogoso, Erich Opolot, Head of Public Information, [email protected], Tel: +252 616 548 007 Yahya Dahiye, Public Information Officer, [email protected], Tel: +252 618 180926 Mursal Ali, Public Information Officer, [email protected], Tel: +252 615 679998

For more information, please visit www.unocha.org/Somalia | www.humanitarianresponse.info/operations/somalia | Twitter: @OCHASom | Facebook: UNOCHA

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs www.unocha.org/somalia