Over 100,000 people have been displaced in Beledweyne town of Hiran region by floods after River Shabelle broke its banks, Hirshabelle confirmed on Friday.
The river level rose to over eight metres following heavy downpour in Hiran region and parts of Somali region of the neighbouring Ethiopia in recent days.
In a press statement, Hirshabelle state President, Mohamed Abdi Ware warned imminent floods in the region as the river is filled to the brim with frenzied heavy flushing water.
“The river continues to rise and rain is still falling. More flooding is expected in the coming days as we receive reports of even higher river levels upstream,” the President in the statement.
Mr. Ware called on the aid agencies to urgently respond the situation before the matter goes out of hand.
“There is humanitarian crisis developing in front our eyes in Beledweyne town. Over 100,000 people have been displaced from their homes, many with young children and elderly people. More are displaced everyday as the crisis continues,” he warned. “The displaced families are in urgent need of drinking water, shelter and sanitation facilities.”
The President said many of the displaced people are already facing dire conditions.
“Due to the flooding, most casual labour jobs have disappeared. Displacement has put a strain on Social cohesion, solidarity and coping the mechanism are severally tasted,” the statement reads in part.
On the other hand SNA, AMISOM and Hirshabelle police force have taken part in the rescue process of the families trapped by the floods of the river that has spread to new villages in Beledweyne district.
Military vehicles were seen transporting people from flood hit areas to Eel Jaale, where most f the displaced people from the town have settled.
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