Somalia: Floods force hundreds to flee homes in Beledweyne

BELEDWEYNE, Somalia Oct 27, 2014 (Garowe Online) - Life-threatening flooding has forced hundreds more residents in Hiraan regional capital of Beledweyne of central Somalia to flee from their homes according to officials on Monday, Garowe Online reports.

Beledweyne Mayor Omar Adan told reporters that nearly 2500 residents of Beledweyne vacated their homes, and fled with their necessary belongings: “Some 2500 people who fled their homes in Beledweyne are in need of humanitarian assistance”.

Hydrologists have predicted that 8m-depth of water forced the river to overflow its banks, washing away built-up areas in the outskirts of Beledweyne.

Worst-hit neighborhoods are Kooshin and Hawo Tako, well informed sources disclose.

A committee that would have representatives from Hiraan regional administration and international aid agencies has been set to step in in the coming hours.

Beledweyne, located in central Somalia is prone to flash floods when Shabelle river hit full crest.

Recurrent droughts have so far left tens of thousands of households, mainly in southern and central Somalia more destitute according to the United Nations aid agencies.

GAROWE ONLINE