Impact of Floods on Schools in Jubaland – Report (December 2023)

📝 Description:

This in-depth assessment, published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Learning of Jubaland, Somalia, documents the devastating effects of the October 2023 El Niño-induced floods on the educational landscape across Jubaland’s three main regions: Gedo, Lower Juba, and Middle Juba.

---

🔍 What This Report Covers:

🌧️ Background & Context:
The floods, caused by excessive rainfall and overflowing rivers, led to the displacement of thousands of learners and teachers, the death of over 60 individuals (including 4 students), and widespread infrastructure damage. This report outlines how education was paralyzed in districts such as Elwak, Kismayo, Garbaharey, Bardhere, Afmadow, and others.

📊 Scope of Damage:

• Nearly 40% of schools in Jubaland were affected.

• Entire school infrastructure, including classrooms, latrines, and laboratories, collapsed or submerged.

• 19,377 learners and 510 teachers in Lower Juba and 25,830 learners and 669 teachers in Gedo were directly impacted.

📉 Effects on Education:

• Complete disruption of teaching and learning activities.

• Mass displacement of students and increased risk of permanent dropout.

• Loss of teaching materials, textbooks, and essential school supplies.

• Severe mental and emotional toll on teachers and students alike.

💡 Challenges Identified:
The report highlights numerous obstacles, including inaccessible roads, inadequate resources, lack of emergency planning, and poor sanitation facilities which raised health concerns.

📌 Recommendations:
The Ministry proposes a multi-layered response plan involving:

• Early warning systems and real-time alerts.

• Evacuation drills, safe shelters, and improved communication infrastructure.

• Reconstruction of affected schools with climate-resilient designs.

• Psychological and post-trauma support for learners and educators.

• Stronger partnerships with NGOs and international donors for funding and logistics.

📷 Visual Evidence:
The report includes pictorial documentation from schools like Yoontooy Primary School and Gobweyn Primary School, where flood damage and use of classrooms as IDP shelters are clearly shown.

• Flood affected schools report in Jubaland-December-2023 pdf (2025kb) [ download ]