In a tragic turn of events, flash flooding triggered by relentless rains in Somalia has claimed the lives of 50 individuals, while nearly 700,000 people have been compelled to abandon their homes, according to statements from a government official.
Mohamud Moalim Abdullahi, the director of the Somali Disaster Management Agency, disclosed during a press conference on Monday, “Fifty people died in the disaster … while 687,235 people were forced to flee their houses.”
As the region braces for more heavy rains starting on Tuesday, the situation for the affected population is expected to deteriorate further, exacerbating the challenges already faced.
Abdullahi expressed concerns about the forecasted rains between the 21st and 24th of November, emphasizing the potential for additional flooding that could result in further loss of life and destruction.
The Horn of Africa is grappling with intense rainfall and floods associated with the El Nino weather phenomenon. This has led to the loss of dozens of lives and widespread displacement, particularly in Somalia, where infrastructure such as bridges has been destroyed, and residential areas submerged.
The International Rescue Committee underscored the “catastrophic” consequences of the floods and extreme rains, impacting hundreds of thousands who have lost homes, properties, livestock, and crops. The aid agency emphasized that over 1.7 million people are in “urgent need.”
The situation is expected to worsen with above-normal rainfall persisting until the end of 2023. The World Vision NGO reported that the ongoing floods have ravaged homes, schools, and roads, leaving children without essential needs such as shelter, food, and drinking water.
Kevin Mackey, the Somalia country director for World Vision, expressed concern, stating, “The floods have made life extremely difficult for children. Ongoing flooding has destroyed homes forcing children and their families to leave their homes, some of whom are now sheltering in makeshift structures in the open. As they move, they are at increased risk of illness.”
Highlighting the severity of the crisis, the United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA noted on Saturday that the number of people displaced by heavy rains and floods in Somalia “has nearly doubled in one week.” The aid agencies are gearing up to a
