River Shabelle breaks banks as floods wreak havoc in Somalia

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia - River Shabelle has yet again broken its banks in Central Somalia causing floods in lowlands, with the country now struggling with a high number of internally displaced persons, who are in urgent need of assistance, a request which has been put forth by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

According to locals, the river broke banks in Baledweyne and its neighborhoods within Hiiraan, causing mass displacement of people in the country. Hiiraan region is prone to floods and has been affected every time the country experiences floods.

The floods, locals said, happened around Kooshin and Xaawa Taako neighborhoods, notably around Raadeerka, Kutiimbo, Dhagaxjibis, and Shaah Macaan. Several people have been displaced and are in urgent need of shelter and food, officials said.

Heavy rains are being experienced across the country, leading to flush floods in several areas. At least 14 people have died in Somalia and an equal number in neighboring Kenya, which is also facing similar challenges in northeastern parts.

According to locals, the ongoing floods might soon inundate parts of the Bundaweyn and Howlwadaag neighborhoods. The government has already reached out to international partners to help, with donations also being undertaken by senior government officials.

Authorities said ongoing flooding within Hiiraan needs urgent actions to avert possible catastrophe. The government donated speedboats which will be issued in evacuation and transportation in flooded regions, and more support is also being undertaken by the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA].

Somalia, just like neighboring countries, is prone to flash floods, with other 200,000 already displaced from their homes. However, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud insisted that the level of preparedness was at the best level under his administration.

GAROWE ONLINE