Somalia Water Crisis: March 2025 WASH Cluster Drought Update

Somalia faces a severe water crisis due to consecutive failed rainy seasons, with 3 million people experiencing acute shortages. Predictions for the Gu season indicate below-average rainfall, likely worsening drought conditions. Affected regions include Galmudug, Hirshabelle, and others, with significant implications for agriculture and livestock communities.

Somalia is currently experiencing a critical water crisis exacerbated by successive failures of rainy seasons. Forecasts for the upcoming Gu season (April–June 2025) indicate below-average rainfall, following the erratic and poorly distributed Deyr 2024 rains. Areas like Galmudug, Hirshabelle, South-West, Jubaland, and Puntland are significantly affected, with groundwater levels dropping and impacting rural communities reliant on shallow wells and seasonal water sources.

Over 3 million people are currently facing severe water shortages, a number that may increase depending on Gu rains and the effectiveness of WASH humanitarian efforts. The predicted below-average precipitation combined with rising temperatures is expected to worsen drought conditions, placing further strain on already limited water resources. Regions such as Gedo, Hiraan, Middle Shabelle, Bakool, Bay, and inland Galguduud and Mudug are particularly at risk, facing diminishing water availability, reduced agricultural yields, and heightened pressure on livestock-based communities.

Somalia’s ongoing water crisis is a result of consecutive droughts and below-average rainfall, severely impacting millions. As WASH interventions are critical, their effectiveness will greatly influence the situation as forecasts predict worsening conditions. Continuous monitoring of rainfall and groundwater levels is essential to address the increasing water scarcity and its repercussions on agriculture and livestock.

Original Source: reliefweb.int