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Somalia disaster agency issues alert on impending floods

People wade through a submerged street on a residential area in Beledweyne city of Hiran region on November 15, 2023 as Somalia is experiencing the worst climate-change-related floods in a century, wreaking havoc in many parts of the Horn of Africa country, affecting 1.24 million people and displacing over 456,800 more since the first week of October. Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin / Anadolu (Photo: AFP)

By Hassan Mohamed | Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The agency said that rainfall is expected from the first week of April until the end of the month

Somalis residing along the banks of the Juba and Shabelle rivers, as well as in low-lying areas prone to flooding, have been cautioned about the looming threat of anticipated floods, which could affect approximately 700,000 individuals by the end of April, as per the Somali Disaster Management Authority (SoDMA) announcement on Tuesday.

According to a statement, the agency said that rainfall is expected from the first week of April until the end of the month, with projections indicating a continuation of rains through June. SoDMA emphasized its commitment to implementing measures to assist potential victims.

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“It is predicted that the districts worst hit by the floods last year will also this year be hit. As such, we warn the public living in those districts to be on the highest alert to save their lives and properties. Districts to be worst hit are those along the riverine areas like Beletweynem Buulobarde, Jalalaqsi, Balcad, Afgoye, Qoryoley, Jamaame, Jilib, Bu’ale, Baardheere, Luuq and Dolow. The following districts will also be affected like Baidoa, Kismayo, Qardho, Burco, Borama, and others,” the statement read.

SoDMA Commissioner Mohamed Moallim Abdulle addressing the media. (Handout)

The agency urged individuals residing in these regions to prepare for the impending floods within a week. A National Anticipatory Action Plan for Floods has been prepared, incorporating measures to mitigate potential disasters arising from the flooding, the statement further noted.

"SoDMA is putting in place measures to safeguard lives by ensuring speed boats, tents, and other emergency shelter materials, as well as dry food rations and medicines, are in placeto support the affected population,” the statement added.

During the 2023 El-Nino-induced floods, nearly 2.48 million people were impacted, with 1.2 million individuals displaced and 118 reported fatalities, according to SoDMA. Additionally, approximately 224 schools across Somalia were damaged, severely affecting the education sector.

Due to the devastating effects of the floods experienced from October to December 2023, Somalia's government declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit areas. To date, the nation continues to grapple with the aftermath, including the prevalence of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

Led by Commissioner Mohamed Moallim Abdulle, SoDMA serves as the national agency mandated to mobilize and coordinate both local and international responses to humanitarian crises, aiming to prevent disasters, preserve lives, restore livelihoods, and enhance affected communities' resilience against natural and man-made calamities.