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Who We Are
WHO WE AREThe International Organization for Migration (IOM) is part of the United Nations System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. IOM has had a presence in Somalia since 2006.
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About
IOM Global
IOM Global
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OUR WORK
Our WorkAs the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration, IOM plays a key role to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through different areas of intervention that connect both humanitarian assistance and sustainable development. Across Somalia, IOM facilitates transition of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees towards durable solutions by providing services and support for Migrants and Mobile Populations.
Cross-cutting (Global)
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From October 2023 to April 2024, Somalia faced one of its most severe flood crises in recent history, driven by El Niño rains. Above-average rainfall during the Deyr and Gu rainy seasons caused widespread flooding, which had devastating effects on communities along the Juba and Shabelle Rivers. Homes and livelihoods were washed away, while stagnant floodwaters bred disease and exacerbated existing vulnerabilities.
Repeated riverine and flash floods damaged critical infrastructure, submerged croplands, and displaced thousands. Communities faced shortages of clean water, food, and sanitation, compounding health risks, particularly in overcrowded sites for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Displaced families were especially vulnerable, with many forced to seek refuge on higher ground that lacked even basic services.
In Baardheere town, the rains caused the only vehicular bridge over the Juba River to collapse. Yet, amidst the challenges, innovative solutions and a human-centred response offered hope.
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The scale of devastation caused by the El Niño-induced flooding overwhelmed Somalia’s available resources, presenting significant challenges in meeting the urgent needs of affected communities. In Baardheere, one of the hardest-hit areas, the destruction disrupted critical infrastructure and severed mobility, leaving residents in dire need of immediate support to rebuild their lives.
“When the bridge collapsed, we struggled a lot. We didn’t have any means to cross, and movement came to a halt, leaving us stranded,” said Haredo Hassan Hirey, a Baardheere resident.
Recognizing the magnitude of the crisis, the Federal Government, through the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), prioritized life-saving interventions and appealed for collaborative efforts to address the pressing needs of the flood-affected populations.
SoDMA, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), worked with the community to identify urgent needs and find solutions. In January 2024, two outboard motorboats — purchased with support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) — were rapidly shipped to Baardheere.
“Seeing the scale of the community’s needs in Baardheere, we were eager to restore movement across the river so that individuals could regain a sense of normalcy in their lives after the floods,” said Mr. Mohamed H Hared, Director of the Resilience and Durable Solutions for IDPs Department at SoDMA.
The restoration of mobility was pivotal for enabling access to essential services, markets, and support systems. Mr. Hared emphasized the importance of partnership in disaster response, expressing gratitude to IOM for their swift and decisive support.
“We are grateful that IOM was able to respond to our request so quickly; together we kept the focus on saving lives and supporting affected populations.”
This collaboration underscores the critical role of coordinated efforts in bridging resource gaps and ensuring timely relief for vulnerable communities in Somalia. Operated by a local organization under IOM’s management, the boats quickly became a lifeline for the community. They played a dual role in facilitating the transport of people and delivering aid. Soon after arrival, each boat was making over 60 trips a day, helping more than 60,000 people reconnect with markets, schools, and health facilities each month.
“In the afternoon, we board the boats comfortably, we disembark, and we go to our homes. In the morning, we gather our goods and go to the market, do our shopping, and then return safely,” Haredo explained.
For Osman Hassan Diiriye, one of the boat operators, this work carried immense meaning: “The community has warmly welcomed this initiative, and they are 100% satisfied,” Osman shared. “These boats have greatly benefited us. They help transport people and make movement easier. Although they cannot carry vehicles, they have restored mobility during the day, which is crucial while the bridge is being rebuilt.”
The effort to restore movement between the riverbanks was done in close consultation with local authorities.
"The boats will continue to serve the Baardheere community by facilitating transportation and improving access to essential services, including aid delivery," said Suleiman Abdi Badal, Deputy District Commissioner, Baardheere. “Additionally, they will support school-going children and facilitate referrals to main hospitals, which are located in the western part of Baardheere town."
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Alongside these practical solutions, and with continued support from USAID BHA, IOM’s Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) team empowered flood-affected communities through proactive measures. Regular awareness sessions educated people on El Niño-triggered flood risks, covering waterborne diseases, early warning systems, and preparedness. Outreach efforts used posters, leaflets, loudspeakers, and direct announcements to reach even remote areas, benefiting thousands with critical knowledge and reassurance.
IOM's human-centered approach built trust and reduced anxiety by addressing community concerns directly. Beyond awareness campaigns, IOM distributed essential items, streamlined aid through registration teams, and trained local leaders in flood preparedness and recovery skills. Emergency site maintenance further mitigated infrastructure damage and displacement risks.
These efforts emphasized the importance of early preparedness, adaptive resource management, and collaboration with local partners and affected populations. As Somalia moves toward recovery, the floods underscore the need for community-led approaches to future disaster resilience.
From the boat operators in Baardheere to the CCCM team working in IDP sites, the collective spirit of these efforts offered a blueprint for responding to crises with empathy, innovation and strength.
“These boats have greatly helped us, providing support when we needed it most. We are thankful to those who brought them. They are our brothers,” Haredo added.