Issue # 12 19 March - 1 April 2010

Key Overall Developments

Conflict and displacement

Mogadishu During the reporting period, the situation in Mogadishu remained relatively calm, apart from sporadic clashes between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and insurgents, which has had a high impact on civilians. According to WHO, in the first three weeks of March, more than 700 people sustained conflict related injuries and were treated in the three main hospitals in Mogadishu. Children under the age of five accounted for 10 percent of the wounded. At least 30 people have been killed during the same period. In a special bulletin released on 29 March, WHO said the emergency health services in Mogadishu were struggling with few trained health workers and insufficient supplies. “The ongoing conflict is putting a further burden on the already weak health system and, with escalating levels of trauma, services are being stretched to the limit”, the bulletin said.

As of 26 March, UNHCR reported that 78,500 people have been displaced from Mogadishu since 1 February. Of these, it is estimated 52,300 people have fled Mogadishu (28,910 have fled to the Afgooye Corridor) and another 26,300 are displaced in the various districts within Mogadishu.

Mudug At least 30 people were killed and more than 60 others injured when clashes erupted between two clans in Barak Isse, a remote village in Hobyo district, Mudug region. Reports indicate that the dispute was over resources of land and water. An unconfirmed number of people were displaced as tensions escalated in the area. Earlier on 5 March, similar clashes were reported in Amara village (90km north of Xarardheere town), killing at least 14 people.

Fire outbreak in Bossaso

On 26 March, a fire destroyed an estimated 100 households in one of the largest Internally Displaced Person’s (IDP) settlements in Bossaso, Puntland. No casualties were reported. The humanitarian community conducted a rapid assessment to establish immediate needs and responded accordingly (see Response section below).

Floods in western Somaliland

Somaliland authorities estimate that nearly 40,000 people have been affected by the heavy rains that have caused floods in the western regions Awdal and Maroodi Jeex in early March. Most of the water systems and sources and crops in large tracks of farmland were destroyed, while unconfirmed numbers of livestock died.

Early Gu rains in southern and northern Somalia

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) says the unusual rains in Somalia that began in late February and early March have helped mitigate the negative effects of the harsh dry season, which is normally experienced between January and March. Although the rains stopped in north and central regions, they continued in most of the southern regions. The early start of the Gu rains is a positive indicator, although it is too early to determine the overall effects from the onset of the rains and the outlook for the upcoming rainy season.

Concern for human rights situation in Somalia

There is deep concern about the human rights and humanitarian situation in Somalia. This was expressed at the 13th Human Rights Council session in Geneva on 24 March by the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights for Somalia, Shamsul Bari. He highlighted that the renewed fighting in Mogadishu had once again exposed the vulnerability of the civilian population, especially on women and children, to violence and inhumane suffering. This has resulted in significant deaths, casualties and massive displacements of the population, with restricted access to humanitarian assistance. Mr Bari urged all parties to the conflict to come together for the sake of peace in Somalia. UNOCHA Somalia, Ngecha Rd. (off Lower Kabete Rd). P.O Box 28832, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 20 4002400, Website: http://ochaonline.un.org/Somalia

Response

Health During the reporting period, WHO and partners conducted on-the-job training for 33 clinical staff members, including nine doctors, 11 nurses and 13 mid-wives in trauma management and emergency obstetric care in Banadir hospital, Mogadishu. The hospital also benefited from emergency health supplies. In Jamaame, Lower Juba, WHO distributed Oral-Rehydration Salts (ORS) and undertook environmental awareness activities.

The Child Health Days (CHD) campaign is ongoing in Southern Somalia. To date, over 120,000 children under five and 111,000 women of child bearing age in Lower Juba, Middle Juba, Bakool and Gedo regions have been reached during the first phase of the second round in the south. Preliminary coverage data shows that over 80 percent of the targeted population of children under five have been reached and about 77 percent of women of child bearing age reached. Throughout South and Central Somalia, UNICEF, WHO and partners aim to reach more than 1.3 million children and 1.6 million women during each round of the CHD.

Food aid WFP and partners distributed approximately 1,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities to 74,000 beneficiaries under the General Food Distribution programme in Cadaado and Guri Ceel districts, Galgaduud region, and north Hobyo district, south Gaalkacyo in Mudug region. An additional 156 metric tons of food was distributed to 22,000 beneficiaries in Galcad and Elder districts in Galgaduud region, initially meant for February relief rations. The districts could not be accessed from Gaalkacyo due to insecurity along the main roads and surroundings.

A test food delivery of 263 metric tons of cereals, oil and Corn Soya Blend was dispatched during the reporting period to Matabaan, Hiraan region. WFP is making efforts to assist more vulnerable Somalis in the areas that have been inaccessible recently due to insecurity.

WASH The international NGO Solidarity is digging 12 water catchments in Afmadow district, in addition to distribution of sanitation tools and awareness raising activities to prevent curable disease like diarrhoea. World Vision International is also digging four water catchments in the same district and three others in Bu’aale district, Middle Juba region.

During the reporting period, Diakonia Sweden handed over Humanitarian Response Fund supported borehole equipment to Bubi community in Jariiban district, Mudug region, to be used in the borehole that COOPI is about to complete the drilling.

Shelter and Non-Food Items In response to the floods in western Somalia, UNHCR delivered shelter items to 100 households. The Somali Red Crescent Society also supplied shelter materials in western Somalia.

Fire outbreak response in Bossaso The humanitarian community in Bossaso has been supporting the 100 IDP households affected by the fire in the IDP camp. UNICEF set up two outpatient therapeutic programmes, provided two water bladders and supplied an existing Mother and Child Health center with drugs and other medical supplies. Children were also supplied with books. The Norwegian Refugee Council, with partner WAWA, distributed non-food items, including sanitary towels and mats for women. Horn Relief distributed clothes and shoes while the Danish Refugee Council continued with water distribution.

Contact: For further information in English, contact: Rita Maingi on +254 734 800 120 – [email protected] In Somali or English, contact Muna Mohamed on + 254 733 643 737 – [email protected]

UNOCHA Somalia, Ngecha Rd. (off Lower Kabete Rd). P.O Box 28832, 00200, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel: +254 20 4002400, Website: http://ochaonline.un.org/Somalia