Deyr rains began early (September) in most parts of Somalia. Some areas like Jowhar and Beletweyn experienced floods. In Beletweyn, two-days of precipitation (188mm) led to heavy floods that inundated significant parts of the town and its environs causing distraction of houses, irrigation infrastructure and crop loss.
In South-Central, the highest levels of rainfall according to the data from raingauge stations include: Galkayo (26mm) in Mudug region;
Beletweyn (206mm) and Jowhar (34mm). Light showers of below 30mm were recorded in Baidoa, Dinsor, Buloburti, and Jamame stations.
In the North, the highest amount of rainfall was recorded in Qulenjeed (33mm) in Awdal; Borama (131mm) in W. Galbeed; Togwajaale (120mm) in Togdheer; Xudun (16mm) in Sool; Elafweyn (71mm) in Sanaag; Bilidin (107mm) in Bari and Burtinle (27mm) in Nugal (Map1 and Table 1).
Satellite derived rainfall estimates (RFE) shows a build-up of rainfall activity from Northwest towards Northeast and South confirming the gradual cessation of Karan rains and the start of Deyr rains (Map 2-5). According to the RFE (Map 9), significantly above average rainfall was received in northern parts of Bakool and Hiran regions, including the surrounding areas in Ethiopia; considerable parts of Bari, Nugal, Mudug and Galgadud regions.
Vegetation conditions are normal in most of northern and central Somalia, as indicated by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for September 2012 (Maps 6-8,10), which is close to the long-term average (LTA). Greener than normal (small increase) vegetation is visible in small pockets of most regions in the country. The exceptions are the regions of Central and Awdal in Northwest where vegetation is generally close to average. However, deterioration of pasture is still evident in some areas in the South with the worst vegetation being depicted in most of Lower Shabelle and Lower Juba regions. Small decrease in vegetation remains evident in small to large areas in Bay, Shabelles, Jubas and the Golis of Sanaag and Awdal. Large decrease in vegetation vigor is evident in L & M Agropastoral irrigated livelihood zone in Lower Shabelle.
Based on the recent FSNAU assessment in October 2012, the actual off-season maize production in the South (Jubas, Shabelle, Gedo) is estimated at 2,500Mt, which is 97% of the projections made during Gu ‘12 assessment (2,591Mt). Wet and dry Deyr planting took place in some areas of Juba.
Field reports indicate that riverine and agropastoral famers in Beletweyn increased areas under crop production. Abnormal livestock migration has been reported in Alula, while opportunistic normal migration is widespread across the country to the areas that received good rainfall. Harsh climatic condition in Guban livelihood zone has led to poor livestock condition and subsequent death of small ruminants. Water availability started to improve in September; further improvements are expected with the progression of the Deyr season.
Note: Map in 4 pages
