Providing emergency life-saving access to safe, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to Flood-affected communities in the   Baidoa district ltpgtSomalia remains vulnerable to extreme weather events and disasters exacerbated by climate change. Since the onset of the 2023 Deyr Season, heavy rains across the country have resulted in flash floods, with the Riverian population being affected the most. In the southwest state, at least 268,246 people were affected as of 6th November 2023, while recording the deaths of 3 victims (one woman and 2 children).  Baidoa, the capital city and hosting the second largest number of IDPs, reported 17,832 families affected, with several houses inundated, including makeshift shelters hosting 86,700 IDPs in 136 campsites, with 83% of the affected being female-headed households. The situation has worsened, as evidenced by the number of affected sites increasing from 164 to 384 in just two weeks due to most settlements being in low-lying areas. Over 384,000 Individuals have been displaced, 1,077 communal latrines, and over 600 water sources inundated. contaminating water sources and increasing the risk of AWD/Cholera outbreak. Access to safe water, hygiene supplies, and sanitation services is critical. Baidoa reports active AWD/Cholera cases since Jan 2023, with over 1,000 suspected cases reported between Jan and Oct 2023 the El Nino floods are expected to trigger a spike in such cases of waterborne  vector-borne disease. (Somali situation report_Nov OCHA 2023).lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtAccording to READO flood assessment in Baidoa, access to safe water, hygiene supplies, and sanitation services remains in critical gaps. Prior to the flooding, the main source of water for the households was public taps (32%), followed by protected wells (29%) and unprotected wells (25%). The floods have reduced access to water by the affected community mainly because water points are damaged, and inundation has reduced access to water points. In Isha, only 39% of the population has access to safe water, while Horseed, Holwadaag, and Berdale stand at 69%, 48%, and 43%, respectively (READO Flood Assessment Oct 2023). The current El Nino floods will likely trigger a spike in AWD/cholera outbreak cases in SWS. Therefore, the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks and other health hazards is expected to increase with the contamination of water sources, and the prolonged exposure of people to stagnant water will exacerbate the situation.  (Somalia WASH Cluster El Nino Update, 11 November 2023). lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtRegarding latrine access, Horseed leads with 75% household availability, while Isha faces the greatest challenge at only 52%. The primary barriers to latrine access are damage and flooding, with 12% of the population noting pre-existing inadequacies even before flood-related issues. (READO Flood Assessment Oct 2023)ltbrgt  ltbrgtThe risk of waterborne diseases is also increasing due to the deteriorating quality of water sources caused by the stagnant water and the washed-down sewers and excretes. The scarcity of clean and reliable water has resulted in a 30% increase in water prices within the last few days, forcing the population to resort to using contaminated water.  lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtREADO proposes providing emergency safe, clean water, sanitation, and hygiene access to 25,000 affected individuals in Baidoa. This project will ensure urgent life-saving WASH assistance for communities affected by the Flash floods. This will be done by providing emergency water services through water trucking, hygiene promotion and distribution of hygiene kits, rehabilitation of latrines, solid waste management, and works on unblocking drainage in Baidoa District. In addition, READO will provide sustainable access to clean water by conducting water point chlorination and rehabilitating water points in the Baidoa district. READO will also undertake capacity-building training for water management committees and community hygiene promotional activities.  lt/pgt