MOGADISHU, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The United Nations has issued a grave warning about the devastating floods that have recently struck Somalia and neighboring countries in East Africa, describing it as a once-in-a-century event. The heavy seasonal downpours, exacerbated by the combined impact of El Niño and the Indian Ocean Dipole, have uprooted hundreds of thousands of people and put around 1.6 million Somalis at risk, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Since early October, heavy rains have engulfed the region, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of at least 29 individuals. In Somalia alone, the floods have forced over 300,000 people out of their homes, leaving towns and villages in the north of Kenya inundated as well.

The situation has been further complicated by the fact that the flooding has affected camps housing those displaced by an Islamist insurgency and the severe drought that has plagued the region for the past forty years. Aid groups are reporting that people are fleeing for the second time, seeking shelter from the rising waters.

With large-scale displacement and extensive damage to property, OCHA warns that the humanitarian needs in the region are expected to drastically increase. The floods pose a significant threat to already vulnerable communities, including those in Somalia, and have the potential to destroy approximately 1.5 million hectares (3.70 million acres) of farmland.

Martin Griffiths, the UN's Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, spoke about the dire situation, stating, "Extreme weather linked to the ongoing El Niño risks further driving up humanitarian needs in already-vulnerable communities in Somalia and many other places."

As the floods continue to wreak havoc, urgent action is required to provide relief to the affected communities and to mitigate the long-term implications of the disaster. International support and coordination will be crucial in addressing the escalating humanitarian crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected populations.

The UN and its humanitarian partners are already working on the ground, providing assistance and support to those affected. However, as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer, it is evident that more resources and support will be required to meet the growing needs of the affected populations.

The devastating floods in East Africa serve as a stark reminder of the climate challenges faced by vulnerable regions. This crisis highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing effective adaptation strategies to protect communities from the increasingly severe impacts of extreme weather events.