When disaster strikes, the difference between a fast response and a slow one often comes down to how quickly money can reach the people who need it. That is the problem this project was built to solve. Financed through the World Bank as a Development Policy Financing operation with a Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option, the Cat DDO gives the Federal Government of Somalia pre-approved emergency financing that can be released the moment a disaster is officially declared, rather than months later.
Beyond the financing itself, the project is helping the Federal Government reform how it prepares for and manages climate and disaster risk, strengthening institutions, regulations, and response systems so the country is better equipped for the next drought or flood. On the ground, that support translates into three practical forms of assistance: emergency food distributions for vulnerable households, rehabilitation of water points and emergency water access infrastructure, and non-food item (NFI) support for displaced families. In total, the project is reaching 38,889 households across ten districts: Gaalkacyo, Belet Weyne, Caluula, Qansax Dheere, Wanla Weyn, Kismaayo, Abudwaq, Laas Caanood, Burhakaba, and Balcad.
Aleel Communication has been engaged as the project’s media and communication partner, responsible for capturing this process as it happens, from registration exercises and food and water distributions to the everyday realities of the households receiving support. Through photography, video documentation, and a final donor-ready documentary, Aleel is building an honest visual record of what disaster risk financing looks like in practice, and making sure SoDMA’s coordination role is visible to the public it serves.
Location
Gaalkacyo, Belet Weyne, Caluula, Qansax Dheere, Wanla Weyn, Kismaayo, Abudwaq, Laas Caanood, Burhakaba, and Balcad.
