Hunger and malnutrition crises persist in Somalia as projected floods and funding shortfalls threaten vulnerable populations

The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations warn that projected flooding and funding shortfalls could worsen the hunger crisis and push more people – especially children - into extreme food insecurity and acute malnutrition.

Mogadishu– Millions of people across Somalia continue to face high levels of hunger while acute malnutrition among children is set to worsen over the coming months when heavy flooding associated with the anticipated El Niño is expected to worsen the situation during October to December 2026, the Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations (UN) warned today.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)* analysis projects that 5.4 million people will face crisis levels of hunger or worse between October and December 2026, including 1.5 million people facing emergency levels of hunger or worse. According to the IPC analysis, 1.92 million under-five children will require treatment for acute malnutrition between July 2026 and June 2027, including 433,000 children with severe acute malnutrition - the deadliest form. Nearly 62 per cent of the country's malnutrition burden is concentrated amongst rural populations; while internally displaced people in Belet Weyne and pockets within the displacement sites in Baidoa, are projected to reach Extremely Critical levels (IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5) as anticipated flooding disrupts access to services.