Flash floods in Somalia have destroyed thousands of makeshift homes, as well as latrines and shallow wells, the United Nations said, predicting that up to 900,000 people could be hit by the strongest El Nino weather phenomenon in decades.
The floods, which have made roads impassable and cut thousands off from aid, could reverse many of the humanitarian gains made in southern Somalia since 2011 when the Horn of Africa nation was devastated by famine, experts say according to the United Nations
“Flash floods have affected thousands of people in the low lying areas of the southern and central parts of Somalia.” the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement late on Tuesday.
Residents in Mahaaday, Middle Shabelle region have confirmed heavy rains were experienced in the region. The Shabelle River broke its banks and most of the families living near the river have begun moving to higher grounds according to CCTV’s Abdulaziz Billow, adding that no flooding has been reported in Jowhar, but heavy rains is still being experienced in most parts of south and central Somalia.
Billow reports that locals and officials in Middle Shabelle region say that the Shabelle river risks breaking its banks and will affect the agriculture industry in the part of the country. No flooding in Mogadishu and its environs reported at the moment.
River banks are being strengthened and displaced people in the capital, Mogadishu, have been moved to higher ground.
“Protection efforts include a particular focus on internally displaced (IDP) given that many of the existing IDP settlements are located in areas prone to flooding, with shelters providing insufficient protection against heavy rains and winds,” OCHA said.
Source – Abulazzi Billow CCTV
