Somalia: We are being killed by floods, please assist us - Jubaland leader

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The floods in Jubaland could cause more havoc if unattended, Jubaland President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe has said, noting that the international community should come out and assist many families who are now struggling.

According to Madobe, the state is experiencing a new wave of "never-ending El-Nino rains", causing devastating floods. Entire towns in Gedo, Middle Juba, and Lower Juba regions are submerged, with severe loss of life and damage to infrastructure, he said.

"The floods have disrupted the movement of people and goods, impacting the livelihoods of people all across Jubaland. This has led to the increased price of food and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the state," Madobe said in a post on X formerly known as Twitter.

As per the latest statistics, a total of 954,255 people have been affected. Of this, 435,300 people have been displaced and 228,117 people are trapped in flooded areas while sadly 53 lives were lost. "Jubaland appeals for immediate aid - food, NFIs, and medical supplies for the affected people," he said.

"We urgently call upon the Federal Government of Somalia, United Nations agencies, and humanitarian organizations to address this dire humanitarian crisis in Jubaland State before it escalates further."

The floods in Jubaland are activated by the breaking of banks by River Juba which drains water to the Indian Ocean. Most parts of Gedo and Lower Jubba near Kismayo are severely affected, with the country recording over 30 deaths so far according to statistics by the government.

Southern parts are swelling, causing more people to leave their homes even as the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA] moved in to assist a number of families. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also called for assistance from the international community.

“Heavy rains and floods continue to devastate southern Somalia, displacing hundreds of farmers in Lower Jubba Region. Needy displaced individuals have arrived in Kismayo. The government is committed to providing essential support to the victims. Together, we can make a difference,” said Daudi Aweis, the information minister.

GAROWE ONLINE