Somali government on Saturday formed a 22-member of National Disaster Response committee to address the humanitarian crisis in Some parts the country following floods splashed by Jubba and Shabelle rivers.
Over two hundred thousand people have been displaced by floods after the rivers broke their banks in Hiran and Gedo regions.
Speaking at a press conference in Mogadishu, Prime minister, Hassan Ali Kheire said his government will urgently respond to prevent the crisis from deteriorating into tragic.
“The two rivers, Shabelle and Jubba have flooded, there are many Somalis who were affected by the floods particularly Beledweyne residents. We held meeting with the religious leaders, women organizations. We agreed upon to rescue those people,” said Kheire. “Somali government will do everything to save and rescue those people”
He noted that the committee will be led by the deputy prime minister and will soon start efforts to help the victims.
“We formed a committee comprising of 22 members. The committee will be led by the deputy Prime minister, the committee members were drawn from the ministries of Interior, Information, Health, Security, Humanitarian and Agriculture as well as religious leaders,” he noted.
The Prime minister pointed out that they also held talks with ambassadors, NGOs on means to help the flood victims.
“We called all the ambassadors and aid agencies including UN and local NGOs, We informed them the situations. We urge them to urgently assist the affected people,” said Kheire.
Mr. Kheire directed the officials in his government to release all the humanitarian aid in the government depots to help the victims.
“All the available aid in the hands of the government, be it be waterproof plastics, tents, medicines or any other aid should given to those people affected by the floods,” Mr. Kheire ordered.
He also called on Somali public to support the victims urgently.
“Whenever something happens, the first thing that comes into my mind is Somali people, the public should be the first to respond and help these victims,” he appealed.
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