Somalia Struggles as Torrential Rains Cause Severe Flooding
Devastating floods caused by heavy rains in Somalia have led to a state of emergency, leaving countless people stranded and forcing numerous families to flee their homes
An emergency has been declared by Somali authorities due to the floods caused by heavy rains. These floods have resulted in thousands of people being trapped and many others forced to leave their homes.
The East African country has experienced a period of drought and failed rainy seasons in recent years, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Research indicates that the human-induced climate crisis has contributed to the likelihood of the drought.
The Somali Disaster Management Agency reported on Sunday that at least 10 individuals have lost their lives due to flash floods caused by torrential rains. These rains are anticipated to be more intense than usual, as El Niño has begun affecting various communities since last month. The United Nations humanitarian agency (OCHA) has stated that over 100,000 individuals have been displaced thus far. Additionally, OCHA estimates that approximately 2,400 individuals residing in villages along the overflowing Juba River in Jubaland, one of the states most severely impacted, may be trapped in flood waters.
Local authorities in Baardheere, located in Jubaland, are urgently requesting assistance for over 14,000 families who are currently isolated from the main town and unable to restock their essential household items, OCHA stated on Monday. The UN agency reports that other regions, including Hirshabelle, Puntland, Galmudug, and South West, have also suffered severe consequences from the destructive floods.
The South Wests Baidoa district in Somalia experienced severe flooding, as seen in aerial imagery shared by the state broadcaster on Monday. As a result, officials are undertaking urgent efforts to evacuate families who have been left stranded. OCHA reports that the floods have had a particularly devastating impact on South West and Jubaland states, affecting over 200,000 people in each state.
In Puntland, the agency reported that a camp for internally displaced people was destroyed and electricity and internet connections in the northern neighborhood of Gaalkacyo were severed due to heavy rains and floods. Tragically, in the Galmudug state, two teenage girls and a boy lost their lives by drowning in floodwaters. Additionally, two children also perished in the flooding in the Berdale district of South West.
The flash floods come just months after Somalia marked the end of its lengthiest drought in decades, which killed over 40,000 people, mostly children under five years old, according to UNICEF.
