UN says close to 200,000 affected by flash floods in Somalia

MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – About 191,800 people in Somalia have been affected by floods since May and July, UN said.

In a statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Thursday said the floods caused by seasonal rains have affected the people, causing a humanitarian crisis in the regions.

OCHA said residents have been displaced by floods across the Horn of Africa nation since late June.

“In many areas of southern and central Somalia, the ongoing Hagaa season rains have been heavier than previous years, with strong winds and lower temperatures reported,” OCHA said in its latest report on floods.

Observed river levels along the Shabelle River are expected to continue rising further in the coming week following the foreseen rains.

Residents have been affected by flash and riverine floods in Hirshabelle, SouthWest and Jubaland states.

In a seperate statement, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said riverine zones along Shabelle and Jubba rivers were at risk of floods with Beletweyne, Mahadey Weyne and Jowhar, Balcad and Afgooye districts most affected.

“Flooding in the middle and lower reaches of the Shabelle will be sustained in the coming week given the current situation and the foreseen rains,” FAO said.

It warned more than 20,000 hectares of land are submerged in water in Jowhar and Bal’ad districts in Middle Shabelle region following river overflows along the Shabelle river basin.

It noted areas to watch include Jowhar town and its environs; where the river level is near full crest and other riverine towns in the Lower Shabelle region.

Damage to farmlands will further exacerbate an already precarious food situation in the Horn of Africa nation.

FAO warned in July acutely food insecure population is expected to rise between October 2020 and January 2021 especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Due to international and local COVID-19 movement restrictions, the associated declines in business activity, external remittances, annual livestock exports, and investment are resulting in an economic contraction,” FAO said.