MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Somali government has declared an emergency in areas where torrential deyr rains have triggered floods. In a statement by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), the heavy rains fueled by an El Nino, have intensified particularly in Puntland, Galmudug, South West, Hirshabelle states and in areas along the Juba river in Jubaland State.
Partners estimate that as of 6 November, over 706,100 people have been temporarily affected, with over 113,690 people temporarily displaced from their homes across the country. South West and Jubaland states are the worst affected, with an estimated 268,243 and 268,365 people affected, respectively.
In Hirshabelle, at least 145,800 people are reportedly affected, with 11,700 displaced following heavy rains on 5 November. Up to 400 families (2,400 people) are believed to be trapped by floods in Luuq and efforts are ongoing to urgently evacuate them. In Baardheere, local authorities are appealing for urgent support for more than 14,000 families that have been cut off from the main town and are unable to replenish their domestic supplies.
FAO has called for the activation of evacuation plans, warning that there is a high risk of riverine flooding in Jubaland, particularly in Doolow, Luuq, Baardhere, Bualle, and Jilib districts, and urged people living along the entire stretch of the Juba river to identify safe routes to high ground. It also warned of a high risk of flooding along the Shabelle river at Belet Weyne and adjacent areas, and recommended the activation of evacuation plans for the town and surrounding areas.
At least 22,250 people in Puntland State have been affected by heavy rains and floods in Puntland, with 7,280 displaced from their homes.
In north Gaalkacyo and its outskirts, heavy rains have displaced more people in the last 24 hours especially in sites for internally displaced people (IDPs). Preliminary information indicates that 239 shelters have been destroyed and 222 latrines damaged in 14 sites. More than 100 families (600 people) from the host community are also displaced.
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