Somalia: As El Niño floods loom, millions could face further hardship and hunger

Rivers connecting Shabelle and Juba in Somalia rivers.

 

  By Jun Enriquez

ICRC (13 Oct 2026) - Millions of people in Somalia could find themselves in the path of an impending disaster as climate experts warn that a record El Niño event is expected to strike between October and December.

Farmers face a devastating gamble in Bayahaaw village, on the outskirts of Jowhar town in central Somalia: plant and risk losing everything to floodwaters or leave the fields bare and face hunger in the coming year.

Nuh Adan, a farmer and community leader in Bayahaaw, fears that if the riverbanks burst now, the impact on local agriculture will last for months.

“If the river breaks and the floods hit us, the effects will last until the next rainy season in March,” Adan says.

A similar phenomenon in 2023 wreaked havoc across the country, affecting close to two million people and displacing more than 500,000. For communities along the Shabelle and Juba rivers, levee breaches threaten to destroy livelihoods and submerge entire villages. Yet farming families can’t delay planting.

“We have seen maize cobs that were not yet fully developed, only needing 15 to 25 days to be ready for harvest, being destroyed by floods,” says Adan. “And we just had to bear the loss. But abandoning the farms is not an option.”

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, above-normal rains and subsequent flooding are expected to deepen hunger levels across Somalia. For the 3.3 million people living in informal displacement settlements, the impending rains could mean further devastating hardship.

 

In many camps, families displaced by conflict live in cramped shelters constructed from sticks, scraps of cloth and iron sheets. Limited access to clean water and lack of proper sanitation are common.

“We are terrified of the upcoming rains,” says 59-year-old Kamillo Muse, a resident of Ceeynu Nasri displacement camp in Jowhar. “After three years of not having good rainfall, it feels like it will return with a vengeance.”

“If it pours, forget those living in displacement camps. Even people in proper houses will be forced to flee. So what do you expect will happen to us in the camps?” she adds.

Aid agencies are on high alert, rolling out anticipatory action measures and leveraging lessons learned from the 2023 disaster to mitigate damage before the floodwaters arrive. However, humanitarian operations have shrunk considerably since then due to massive cuts that have affected the sector.

 

 “Better preparation and better data. That's the good news compared to 2023,” says Antoine Grand, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Somalia. “The bad news is that humanitarian funding and capacity in general have seriously decreased.”

The ICRC, in partnership with the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), is preparing for imminent floods by distributing sandbags, prepositioning essential supplies like tarpaulins, mosquito nets and hygiene items in flood prone areas, and stocking supported health facilities with medical and nutrition supplies to ensure they remain operational. Additionally, SRCS volunteers in Kismayo, Bardere, Jowhar and Beletweyne have received boat training to equip them with the necessary skills to respond during flood emergencies.

What is El Niño?

El Niño is a periodic climate phenomenon that begins in the equatorial Pacific and can affect weather patterns across much of the globe, leading to droughts in some regions and heavier rainfall in others. In Somalia, the event could intensify the October–December 2026 Deyr seasonal rains bringing severe flooding particularly along the Shabelle and Juba rivers. (ICRC News Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

Iligan City Set to Celebrate 37th National Statistics Month

 

 

By Jun Enriquez

ILIGAN CITY (Oct. 1, 2026) - The Iligan City Statistical Coordinating Council (ICSCC), with technical assistance from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – Lanao del Norte Provincial Statistics Office, headed by Ms. Brenda Lynn M. Castro, Officer-in-charge (OIC), spearheads the month-long celebration of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM) this October.

Anchored on the theme “TUKLAS PILIPINAS: Statistics as Beacon Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism”, the celebration aims to strengthen public appreciation of statistics and promote the use of reliable data in planning, policy-making, and decision-making.

The celebration officially kick off on 05 October 2026 with a ceremonial opening program during the LGU-Iligan City Flag Raising Ceremony. In the afternoon, this was followed by a Tourism Statistics Talk and Cultural Show at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), highlighting the important role of statistics in understanding tourism trends and opportunities and in supporting local development.

 

Throughout October, the ICSCC and its partner institutions have lined up various activities, including data appreciation and dissemination fora, capacity-building activities, statistical contests quiz shows, and statistical conferences. Schedule of these activities are plotted in the attached 37^th NSM Calendar of Activities. In addition to these Council-led activities, ICSCC member agencies will conduct their respective agency-initiated activities, further expanding reach of the celebration and promoting statistical awareness within their organizations and among their stakeholders.

The National Statistics Month is observed every October pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 647, s. 1990, primarily to promote nationwide awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of statistics and to encourage public support for improving the quality and standards of statistics in the country.

 

Beyond the month-long celebration, PSA-Lanao del Norte calls on all sectors to sustain the spirit and objectives of NSM throughout the year. The true measure of a successful National Statistics Month lies not only in the activities conducted, but in how these efforts inspire people to value data, understand the stories behind the numbers, and transform statistics into informed decisions and meaningful actions toward a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Iligan City. (PSA Press Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

 

 

ICRC president underscores role of international humanitarian law as foundation for global peace and stability in Audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and President Mattarella in Rome

 

Rome (ICRC) - With armed conflicts at their highest level since World War II, Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), today focused on the role of international humanitarian law for global peace and stability during an Audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and a separate meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

 

 By Jun Enriquez

ICRC (October 9, 2026-Friday) - “More war, combined with less respect for international humanitarian law, risks putting humanity on a very dangerous path,” said President Spoljaric. “The way wars are fought in one part of the world informs how they are fought in another. The choices made before, during and after conflict to uphold or disregard the rules of war can either preserve or obstruct pathways back to peace.”

During her time at the Vatican, President Spoljaric also met with H. EM. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State for the Holy See. 

Both the Holy See and Italy have joined the Global Initiative to galvanize political commitment to international humanitarian law (IHL) – an exceptional effort led by 122 states to revive respect for the rules of war. 

The initiative will culminate in a High-Level Conference to Uphold Humanity in War hosted by his Majesty King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on 7 December 2026. The conference will bring together state leaders to reaffirm their commitment to international humanitarian law and turn that commitment into concrete action.

ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric and Italian President Sergio Mattarella

“Civilians in over 130 conflicts today face unacceptable levels of suffering that could have been avoided had the rules of war been better respected,” said President Spoljaric. “I am thankful to both The Holy See and Italy as States Parties to the Geneva Conventions for being a part of this initiative to bring the rules of war back to the centre of political attention. We need leaders to unite around a shared commitment to preserve humanity in war, and with it, hopes that we can return to a vision of peace and stability.”

The ICRC works closely with the Italian Red Cross, a fellow member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, to support humanitarian action and assist people affected by conflict and other crises. (ICRC News Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-MobileJournalist)

 

 

Israel and the occupied territories: Marking three years of tragedy and loss

 

 

This week marks three years since an unprecedented escalation of violence in Israel and the occupied territories that has seen countless lives shattered, thousands of people killed and injured, and families torn apart.

 

 By Jun Enriquez

ICRC (October 6, 2026 - Tuesday) - “There are no words that can truly reflect the scale and horror of this human loss,” said Julien Lerisson, ICRC head of delegation for Israel and the occupied territories. “We have seen too much pain over the last three years and we must not lose sight of the humanity we share,” said Lerisson.  

In its role as a neutral intermediary over the last three years, the ICRC supported the return home of 195 hostages from Gaza – including 35 who were deceased. In the same period, across many different operations, we have facilitated the return of more than 6,000 released Palestinian detainees. In Gaza, the ICRC has been addressing humanitarian needs such as access to clean water, adequate shelter and nutritious food, and through the Red Cross Field Hospital, which has provided more than 52,400 consultations.

“Respect for the laws of war ensures space for humanity even during dark moments,” Lerisson said. “We reiterate our call to de-escalate the conflict and provide a path for peace – so that all people affected by the conflict can live safely and in dignity with their loved ones.” (ICRC Press Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)

Lebanon: Learning Through Laughter: Helping Children Stay Safe from Unexploded Ordnance

 

In areas affected by hostilities across Lebanon, the danger does not always end when the fighting subsides. Mines and unexploded ordnance can remain hidden in fields, beneath rubble and near homes, turning familiar places into areas full of potential threats.

 

 By Jun Enriquez

ICRC (October 1, 2026- Thursday) - In areas affected by hostilities across Lebanon, the danger does not always end when the fighting subsides. Mines and unexploded ordnance can remain hidden in fields, beneath rubble and near homes, turning familiar places into areas full of potential threats. With more than a hundred incidents recorded across the country between April and October 2026, these remnants of conflict put lives at risk, as families return to their homes, children play outside and communities try to rebuild their lives.

Children are particularly vulnerable. An unfamiliar object can easily attract their curiosity without them realizing the danger it may pose.

To help children recognize these risks and know how to react safely, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in collaboration with the Lebanese Armed Forces – Lebanon Mine Action Center (LMAC), is bringing life-saving messages to communities through clowning and interactive theatre.

During a series of performances by the group Clown Me In, children are encouraged to remember one simple rule: “If you didn’t drop it, don’t pick it up.” Using storytelling, humour and interaction, the performers turn serious safety guidance into messages children can understand and remember.

“Children learn best when information is presented in a way they can understand and engage with. Through theatre and humour, we can communicate very serious safety messages without frightening them,” said Sabine Choucair from Clown Me In.

The ICRC organized twenty performances in villages in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa, northern Lebanon and Beirut’s suburbs, in coordination with municipalities and local communities.

"The professionalism behind ICRC's initiative is remarkable. It proves that explosive ordnance risk education can be both rigorous and deeply human, and that is exactly the standard our communities deserve,” said Colonel Ali Makki, Head of Explosive Ordonnances Risk Education at LMAC.

The risk can also change with the seasons. As winter approaches, rain and snow can expose or displace mines and unexploded ordnance, causing dangerous items to appear in unexpected areas. This can increase the risk for families and children, particularly during outdoor activities or while collecting firewood, making continued awareness and caution especially important throughout the winter months.

“We want children to leave the show smiling, but also remembering one very serious message: if you see something you don’t recognize, don’t touch it. Move away and call 1706. For the ICRC, helping communities understand these risks is an essential part of our humanitarian response. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to help people stay safe and reduce the risks posed by mines and unexploded ordnance, particularly in areas affected by hostilities,” said Jessica Ibrahim, weapon contamination field manager at the ICRC’s delegation in Lebanon. 

For communities living with the consequences of hostilities, knowing how to recognize danger and respond safely can help prevent further injuries and save lives. (ICRC Lebanon Press Release; Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital Mobile Journalist)

West Bank: ICRC calls for urgent protection of civilian population

 

Jerusalem / Tel Aviv – Surging violence, increasing restrictions on movement and an acceleration of settlement expansion are causing serious harm to civilians across the West Bank, making everyday life untenable for the civilian population.

 

  By Jun Enriquez

ICRC (September 29, 2026 - Tuesday) - This year alone, dozens of Palestinians have been killed, hundreds injured and many more displaced. Homes and property have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many without shelter or livelihoods.

“The frequent and severe violence must be brought to an end,” said Julien Lerisson, the head of the ICRC’s delegation for Israel and the occupied territories.

“Authorities have a responsibility to protect the population from violence, including when that violence is inflicted by settlers. What international humanitarian law says on the protection of private and public property, and on the population’s access to essential services, must be respected,” he said.

The humanitarian impact of the violence, including the tragic loss of life and serious injuries, is overwhelming. Movement restrictions mean that patients are unable to reach health care, children are unable to get to school, people are cut off from their homes and livelihoods, and families and whole communities face increasingly intolerable conditions in which to live.

Ambulances are sometimes held up for hours at checkpoints and roadblocks, or forced to add hours to their routes to avoid road closures and violence. All of this makes the work of first responders harder and endangers the lives of those they seek to help.

Israel has a right to take measures to ensure its own security. However, as the occupying power in the West Bank it also has a responsibility towards Palestinians, who are protected persons under international humanitarian law. The occupying power has an obligation to treat protected persons humanely at all times, protect them against all acts of violence or threats thereof, and must make every effort to restore and maintain public order and civil life.

“Upholding international humanitarian law and respecting obligations under the law of occupation are necessary steps towards restoring the safety and dignity of the population. This means protecting civilians from violence and ceasing the expansion of civilian settlements,” Lerisson said. (ICRC Press Release;Written and Edited by Jun Enriquez, Digital-Mobile Journalist)