Blog by Ayan, CARE Somalia Emergency Staff
Ali Jama is a father of 7 children, living near the sea shore of Gabac village; he has no food to feed his children due to damage caused by the cyclone to his boats and fishing gear which was the main source of livelihood he had.
I participated in an assessment carried out on 17th Nov, 2013 by CARE and its local partner HADMA to the severely affected areas of Dangorayo and Eyl districts hit by the cyclone.
I was shocked during the assessment. Most of the vegetation had been destroyed and deep gullies had been formed. Soil erosion also took place. All the pasture was destroyed and, as a result, the few remaining animals are likely to starve. Infrastructures and assets, fishing boats, houses – all were damaged, and the roads were blocked.
People were in shock at the loss of their loved ones and their animals. Livestock like camels, goats and sheep were all killed – key to household income, milk and meat consumption - hence severe lack of food and malnutrition might occur if aid is not delivered soon.
The devastation of the tropical cyclone has left the fishermen along the northeast coast of Puntland and nomadic herders in a state of confusion.
The massive destruction of the livelihoods caused by the cyclone requires immediate and long term actions to reduce suffering for the affected people. Distribution of essential relief items and provision of shelter are priorities. Provision of clean water and medical assistance are also needed to prevent the outbreak of diseases. For long time recovery, communities need support to regain their livestock.
Note: CARE is supporting government efforts by providing water and hygiene supplies to 1494 families in 13 villages across Eyl and Dan Gorayo districts. Supplies distributed so far include wheelbarrows, water purification tablets, jerry cans, water filters, hygiene kits and mosquito nets. In addition, the team has provided non-food item kits to 420 families. The kits include sleeping mats, plastic sheets, cooking utensils and water storage containers.
Read another blog about the recent cyclone in Somalia: Somalia Cyclone Hits Somalia's Puntland Region Destroying Lives and Livelihoods
CARE in Somalia: CARE has been providing emergency relief and lifesaving assistance to the Somali people since 1981. Our main program activities since then have included projects in water and sanitation, sustainable pastoralist activities, civil society and media development, small-scale enterprise development, primary school education, teacher training, adult literacy and vocational training. We work in partnership with Somali and international aid agencies, civil society leaders and local authorities.