The European Union has committed EUR 250 000 in humanitarian funding to help affected families, after Tropical Cyclone Gati made landfall in Somalia on 22 November.

Mogadishu, 15 December: The European Union has committed EUR 250 000 in humanitarian funding to help affected families, after Tropical Cyclone Gati made landfall in Somalia on 22 November. Cyclone GATI has had a devastating impact on Bari and Sanaag regions of northern Somalia, bringing heavy rains and triggering flash flooding. Authorities estimate that 180 000 people were affected by the cyclone and 42 000 displaced from their homes as shelters and infrastructure was washed away.

This EU funding will support 6120 people (1020 households) and will be channeled through the Danish Refugee Council, which will implement a multi-sectoral response with water source rehabilitation, hygiene promotion and sanitation. Cash assistance will also be provided, enabling people to buy food and meet other immediate basic necessities,

“After several seasons of sustained erratic weather patterns, including droughts and flooding, cyclone Gati has hit already vulnerable people,” says Johan Heffinck, Head of the EU’s Humanitarian Aid office to Somalia. “The EU is providing emergency support, so that affected families get the help they need efficiently and timely.”

The assistance will be provided as of this month and will be implemented up until the end of March.