Somalia is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to devastating floods that have led to the displacement of over one million people and the death of 101 people.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced these alarming figures, highlighting the nation’s struggle against the consequences of climate change.
The Horn of Africa, which includes Somalia, is experiencing severe weather patterns, including heavy rains and floods, largely attributed to the El Niño climate phenomenon.
These extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense, particularly in Somalia, where recent torrential rains have destroyed bridges and submerged residential areas, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
President Mohamud, addressing the nation, described Somalia’s situation as critical, with floods impacting people across the country.
He expressed concerns about the potential spread of diseases in the nation of approximately 17 million people.
The authorities in Mogadishu declared a state of emergency on November 12 in response to the magnitude of the disaster.
The crisis is not confined to Somalia alone. Neighboring countries are also feeling the impact, with floods in Kenya and Ethiopia causing 120 and 57 deaths, respectively.
The non-governmental organization Action Against Hunger stated, “It’s a catastrophic situation.
Areas that were struggling to recover from the economic and environmental fallout of a prolonged drought are now also suffering from flooding.”
The region had just emerged from its worst drought in forty years, following failed rainy seasons that devastated crops and livestock.
El Niño, typically associated with higher temperatures, drought in some areas, and heavy rainfall in others, is expected to persist until April.
