Provision of Anticipatory Multipurpose Cash Assistance for flood preparedness to vulnerable households in Luuq. ltpgtSomalia continues to face a multi-dimensional crisis shaped by conflict, drought, and climate shocks. According to the OCHA 2024 HNRP, 6.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Somalia. The effects of El Niño during the last Deyr season have impacted over 2.5M people in the country, resulting in the displacement of 1.2M people, loss of lives, damage to livelihoods, and a decrease in overall farm productivity, exacerbating the already critical situation in the country. ltbrgtAccording to FAO SWALIM projections, the El Niño phenomenon is expected to continue beyond Deyr season 2023, with up to 70 per cent probability of leading to above normal Gu rains in March and April 2024. This is expected to result in flash and riverine flood risks in the Greater Horn of Africa, including some parts of Somalia. With about 770,000 people likely to be affected, the anticipated above normal rains, inter-clan violence and insecurity are likely to generate a more severe humanitarian impact compared to risk projections made in early 2023. This includes loss of lives, a significant inflow of displaced people into urban and peri-urban areas, destruction of infrastructures and livelihoods, putting pressure on already stretched services, raising the need for food, water, sanitation, health, education, protection and livelihoods assistance. The floods will exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, particularly for riverine communities that continue to suffer from the impact of the El Niño floods in late 2023.ltbrgtAmong these communities, according to FAO SWALIM projections and in line with SHF strategy, one of the most affected areas during the Gu season will be Luuq district, in Gedo region of Somalia, where local communities are expected to be hardest hit by floodings also in remote and hard to reach areas. In line with the first SHF Anticipatory Action (AA) for 2024 and HNRP 2024, Acted proposes an anticipatory action to save lives and allow people to relocate or meet essential needs ahead of floods in Luuq, Gedo region. Acted will target 10 sites, including 7 IDP sites and 3 host communities in previously affected areas in Luuq, following the location priorities provided in the AA Strategy. In total 4000 households (24000 individuals, including 10 per cent of PwD), of which approximately 17937 will be IDPs and 6063 host community members, will be targeted through one round of multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA). ltbrgtThrough anticipatory cash assistance, Acted will help 4000 vulnerable HHs in Luuq to meet their basic needs and prepare to face the consequences of the projected floods, enhancing population’s resilience and diminishing the severe consequences of floods on local communities. This one-round of MPCA will enable vulnerable HHs to buy food, NFI kits, and shelter, mitigating the shock on their income and allowing them to plan ahead of the projected floods. Under this one-round of MPCA, each HH will receive 110 USD in line with CWG recommendations for 2023. Selection of HHs will be guided by vulnerability criteria and facilitated by Village Relief Committees (VRCs) and Camp Management Committees (CMCs), thus localizing the response. To understand beneficiary perceptions of the activity and to inform future programming, post-distribution monitoring will be conducted after the disbursement of this one-round of MPCA. In line with SHF IRF, Acted will coordinate with SHF partners in Luuq, Trocaire and Asep, to ensure a comprehensive and coordinated action, facilitating meetings and data sharing. Additionally, Acted will employ a comprehensive strategy to prevent aid diversion and ensure effective distribution, integrating strict documentation, real-time tracking of disbursements, and robust internal controls with regular staff capacity-building exercises. Taking into account the specific needs of vulnerable groups, Acted will fulfil protection, gender and disability mainstreaming considerations throughout the project cycle.ltbrgtlt/pgt