This photo, taken in Warmahan village, Lower Shabelle, Somalia, highlights the severe water challenges facing rural communities. Many villages in this area rely entirely on rainwater catchments for their daily needs both for people and livestock. As shown in the image, one of the major catchments is nearly dry, and the remaining water is unclean and unsafe, yet families continue to use it for cooking, washing, and basic household needs.
The Deyr rains have largely failed this season, worsening an already fragile situation. With no rivers passing through these villages and communities depending solely on seasonal rains for farming and water access, the impact is devastating. Water scarcity is also contributing to food insecurity, as farmers cannot cultivate their land without adequate rainfall.
Furthermore, the upcoming months mark the Jilaal season, a period of extreme heat and dryness, which will make life even more difficult for the communities, further limiting access to water and increasing vulnerability.
Urgent interventions needed:
💧 Water trucking
💧 Construction of Shallow well or sustainable borehole.
Immediate action is essential to ensure safe water access and protect the health and livelihoods of vulnerable families in Warmahan and surrounding communities.
