Community Response in Minnesota
Minnesota’s Somali community is stepping up to help their homeland in Somalia, which is facing severe flooding. Since October, heavy rains have claimed nearly 100 lives, displaced about 700,000 people, and devastated regions.
Local Initiative for Emergency Relief
A local emergency flood relief committee has emerged, composed of faith leaders, elders, and community members. Their urgent goal is to raise $1 million by the year-end through the Humanitarian African Relief Organization (HARO), a Minneapolis-based nonprofit.
Current Progress and Actions Taken
Already raising $60,000, the committee used the funds to purchase over a dozen boats for food delivery and transportation in the worst-hit areas, especially southern Somalia. Abdisamad Nur Bidar, the committee chair, emphasized the personal connection, stating, “Almost every Somali in Minnesota has a relative or a friend living in the areas impacted by the floods.”
Political Engagement and International Support
Ali Isse, a committee member and deputy district director for U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, shared that the congresswoman is collaborating with agencies like USAID to highlight the situation. The United Nations has termed the floods as “once-in-a-century flooding,” indicating the severity of the crisis.
Flood Impact and Humanitarian Response
The flooding led to significant displacements, with Save the Children estimating that 90% of Beledweyne’s residents had to leave their homes. The Gedo region in southern Somalia faced extreme flooding, causing the loss of vital bridges, livestock, and displacing numerous people.
Climate Change Impact and Global Consequences
U.N. officials attribute the intensified weather events to two climatic phenomena, El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole. Climate change is making extreme weather more frequent and unpredictable. Flash floods have affected neighboring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi, Sudan, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Worsening Hunger Crisis
The flooding compounds Somalia’s existing challenges, as it was recovering from its longest and most severe drought on record. The U.N. estimates that by the year-end, 4.3 million people, a quarter of Somalia’s population, will face crisis-level hunger or worse.
Diaspora Mobilization and Global Solidarity
The Somali diaspora, both in and outside of Minnesota, is actively raising funds on social media platforms. A GoFundMe page aiming to provide food relief has exceeded its $6,000 goal, showcasing the global solidarity for Somalia.
Ongoing Efforts and How to Contribute
Nur Bidar emphasized the committee’s continuous efforts to prevent further suffering, using Minnesota as a hub to reach Somalis in other states. To contribute to flood relief, individuals can visit harousa.networkforgood.com/projects/213388-somalia-flood-relief-2023/.
In a time of crisis, this community-driven initiative showcases the power of local efforts and global compassion in addressing urgent humanitarian needs.
