Somalia issues tropical storm warning: summary

What we know

• On Tuesday, May 21, Somalia's disaster agency issued a warning about the impending Tropical Cyclone Ialy, which is expected to make landfall in the southwestern and southern regions, including the capital, Mogadishu.
• According to the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SDMA), residents near the coastal areas are advised to remain on high alert and exercise extreme caution.
• Since the beginning of this year, heavy rains and flash floods have caused significant damage and displacement throughout Somalia. The heavy rains and flooding have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock and cropland, and have destroyed small businesses.
• The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that as of May 14, approximately 225,760 people have been affected by the heavy rains and flooding of the Gu season (April to June), with nearly 38,730 individuals displaced or relocated.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), damage to water sources and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities is worsening a cholera outbreak that has resulted in at least 10,640 cases and 120 deaths across seven states.

What they said

In the course of issuing a warning, the Somali Disaster Management Agency said "The people living near the coastal areas are advised to be on high alert and exercise extreme caution." The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also stated that "At least 203,438 people have been affected including around 37,120 displaced & 9 people killed, according to authorities. The rains have damaged infrastructure & killed livestock," adding "On 6 May, 117mm of rainfall was recorded in Doolow; the highest recorded in one day since 2016 and about a quarter of the rainfall recorded for one season, according to SWALIM."