Somalia: Troops dispatched to flood-prone regions

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The government of Somalia has dispatched the military to several areas prone to floods across the country, in the wake up of devastating flash floods, which have claimed the lives of other 14 people, since long rains started in October.

According to the state media, the 60th Division has since been dispatched to Baidoa, Southwest, which is experiencing "worst" floods in decades. The soldiers will specifically assist people who have been displaced from their homes.

"Somali National Forces from the 60th division begins rescue efforts for people displaced by floods at Baidoa town in Southwest State," state media reported on Wednesday.

So far, over 200,000 people have been displaced are heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across the country. Rivers Juba and Shabelle have broken their banks, making humanitarian teams also struggle to access the affected individuals.

The Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA] in Somalia has been working to arrest the situation across the country, noting that over 268200 people have been affected, warning that the rains could persist in coming weeks.

"Torrential rains hit Baidoa town in South West State, Somalia, flooding roads and inundating shelters for scores of displaced people on 5 November," OCHA noted. "Since Oct, over 268.2K people, mainly displaced families, have been affected by El Niño-induced heavy rains and flash floods in the state."

Recently, heavy rains elevated the water levels on the Juba River, causing flooding in the riverine areas of Jubaland State. In Luuq district, 2,400 people were trapped in an area surrounded by water. Authorities and partners made frantic efforts to evacuate them, and this forced the country to dispatch the army.

Disaster Management response teams are also working overtime to rescue thousands of people who could also be affected in the country. The government of Somalia has also reached out to international partners, who have consistently helped the country to arrest such situations.

GAROWE ONLINE