By Daily News Flash | September 27, 2026
The Federal Government of Somalia and the United Nations have warned that 5.4 million people will face crisis-level hunger or worse between October and December 2026, with projected flooding and funding shortfalls expected to worsen the situation.
According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, of the 5.4 million at risk, about 1.5 million people are projected to face emergency levels of hunger or worse.
The analysis also projects that 1.92 million children under five 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 percent of the country’s malnutrition burden is concentrated among rural populations, while internally displaced people (IDPs) in Belet Weyne and pockets within displacement sites in Baidoa are projected to reach Extremely Critical levels (IPC Acute Malnutrition Phase 5) as anticipated flooding disrupts access to services.
The UN said acute malnutrition in Burhakaba district, Bay region, which was at risk of famine in April, has improved due to the Gu rains and scaled-up humanitarian response. However, there is now a risk of famine in Baidoa, also in Bay region, where IDPs face both catastrophic hunger and extremely critical malnutrition. A follow-up assessment is planned for October 2026 to confirm the level of risk.
“The humanitarian crisis in Somalia remains dire and millions of people are at risk due to these high levels of hunger and malnutrition,” said George Conway, Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia.
“The projected threat of El Niño-related flooding will further undermine already fragile livelihoods, displace vulnerable communities and increase the risk of disease.”
According to the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA), 2.5 to 3.5 million people could be exposed to flooding, with 1 million likely to be displaced from areas where they farm and graze livestock.
“We are deeply concerned by the worsening food insecurity and malnutrition situation, particularly as we prepare for the potential impacts of El Niño,” said Mohamuud Moallim Abdullahi, Commissioner of SODMA.
The government and UN are calling for immediate action to protect and finance food and cash assistance, pre-position emergency supplies in flood-prone areas before roads become inaccessible in October, and scale up integrated food, nutrition, health, and water and sanitation services.
“Families already facing hunger cannot afford to lose their harvests or livestock to floods,” said Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO Representative in Somalia.
“Millions across Somalia are struggling to recover from drought, insecurity and high food costs,” added Hameed Nuru, WFP Representative in Somalia.
UNICEF Representative Sandra Lattouf noted that between 2021 and 2025, over 2.25 million children with severe acute malnutrition were treated, but services are now under pressure due to funding shortages.
Source: http://AccessAgric.com / FAO Country Office in Somalia
