The Effect of Sagar Cyclone on Community: Awdal, Somaliland
- AIOR Admin
- Jul 10
- 2 min read
Abdirahman Khadar Abdihaad, Abdiaziz Ali Nour, Abdishakur Aidid Nour, Khalid Mahad Osman
Frantz Fanon University (Somaliland)
In May 2018, Cyclone Sagar swept across the Horn of Africa, hitting Awdal in northwestern Somaliland with unex-pected force. As one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in the region, it caused widespread damage to homes, livelihoods, and essential services. This study explores how the cyclone affected the local community econom-ically, socially, environmentally, and in terms of public health with the aim of supporting better preparedness and re-sponse strategies in the future. Using a combination of primary field data and verified reports from agencies like NADFOR, the research offers a de-tailed picture of the cyclone’s impact. Data were gathered from 20 settlements across three districts through interviews with community members, local officials, health workers, and educators, along with focus group discussions. The find-ings show extensive damage: thousands of livestock were lost, farms were destroyed, roads and schools were damaged, and access to healthcare was severely disrupted. In the aftermath, communities faced growing health risks, including outbreaks of waterborne diseases and rising mental health challenges. While the study provides rich insight, it also recognizes certain limitations such as difficulty accessing some remote areas and gaps in available data. Even so, the results highlight the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness, par-ticularly in regions vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of both institutional coordination and community resilience. It points to the need for targeted investments in infrastructure, early warning systems, and public health services. The les-sons drawn here offer practical value not only for policymakers and aid organizations in Somaliland, but also for other regions at risk of similar climate-driven disasters.
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