Somalia

Fire Tears Through Market in Somaliland

Somalia is one of the poorest countries in the world. Decades of conflict and global warming have resulted in widespread poverty and natural disasters including recurring droughts, floods, and locust infestations. 

Most recently, on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, a massive fire tore through the main market in the city of Hargeisa, Somaliland. Nearly two dozen people were injured and hundreds of businesses were destroyed, causing $2 billion in damage. Many families in Somaliland rely heavily on the market to make ends meet, which is said to account for up to half of the city’s economy. 

Islamic Relief is mobilizing to provide emergency relief through financial assistance to the survivors of this tragedy.

How the Islamic Relief Community is Helping Somalia

Islamic Relief has been working in Somalia since 2008. With your support, we are able to help provide vulnerable communities with emergency aid, food aid, and access to clean water, education, and livelihood.

The Islamic Relief families most recent emergency response may include the following:

• Cash assistance to vulnerable households including orphaned families
• Provision of grants for small businesses 
• Training for small business owners regarding business and risk management 
• Re the market in collaboration with the government, United Nations, and partners 

In addition, a few of our ongoing projects include:

• Access to clean and safe water for drought-prone communities
• Healthcare support for those in critical condition including mothers and children

As much as we’ve been able to accomplish together, there is still so much more to do. By supporting our efforts in Somalia, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.

 Download Africa Donor Report  (updated: April 2019)