State of Emergency Declared in Somalia as El Nino-Intensified Flooding Sparks Desperation Among Town Residents

 Initially fleeing drought and violence, some families find themselves in dire circumstances as El Nino-worsened flooding prompts a state of emergency in Somalia. Residents of one town are now facing heightened desperation amid the escalating crisis.

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Severe flooding in Somalia, exacerbated by El Nino, adds to the plight of families who had fled drought and conflict.

• Beledweyne, a densely populated town, experiences extensive flooding as the Shabelle River overflows, displacing thousands.

• Hakima Mohamud Hareed, a mother of four, narrates the traumatic experience of losing their shelter in a displacement camp, emphasizing the urgent need for help.

• Save the Children reports that 250,000 people, 90% of Beledweyne's population, have been forced from their homes due to the floods.

• Somalia declared a state of emergency in October due to extreme weather linked to El Nino, causing widespread destruction.

• El Nino, a periodic Pacific warming, is believed to be intensified by climate change, affecting Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

• Torrential rainfall continues, with at least 130 deaths reported in the three countries, described as a rare flooding phenomenon by aid agencies.

• The U.N.-backed Somali Water and Land Information Management project warns of a flood event is statistically likely only once in 100 years.

• Approximately 1.6 million people in Somalia could be affected by flooding events in the rainy season lasting until December.

• Beledweyne faces significant devastation, with homes washed away, leaving families hungry and desperate for shelter.

• Mukhtar Moalim, a shop owner, describes frantic efforts to save his property as floodwaters rise in Beledweyne's market.

• At least 53 people have been confirmed killed by flooding across Somalia, with a grave situation requiring urgent relief efforts.

• Mogadishu, the capital, is also affected, with main streets, including the road to the airport, flooded.

• Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre calls for international support in the Dollow district of Gedo region, where many families are displaced by flooding.

Flooding in Somalia

Severe flooding in Somalia, exacerbated by the weather phenomenon El Nino, compounds the challenges faced by families who had initially fled drought and conflict. 

The town of Beledweyne, known for its high population density, is now grappling with extensive flooding as the Shabelle River breaches its banks, forcing thousands to seek refuge in higher ground near the Ethiopian border.

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Hakima Mohamud Hareed, a mother of four, including a disabled child, shares the distressing experience of her family, which recently moved to Beledweyne to escape battles between the extremist group al-Shabab and Somali government forces.

In a poignant phone call, she expresses the unintended calamity they now face, having left their home in search of safety and stability.

The displacement camp of Kutiimo in Beledweyne tells a similar story of hardship. The floods have not only destroyed families' small, tattered tents but have also left them with only their lives. Wind lashes against the damp and flimsy fabric, adding to the trauma of the affected families.

Save the Children reports a staggering figure, estimating that 250,000 people, or 90% of Beledweyne's population, have been forced out of their homes by the flooding. 

Somalia declared a state of emergency in October as extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by El Nino, wrought havoc, destroying homes, roads, and bridges.

El Nino, a periodic and temporary warming of part of the Pacific, has been linked to shifting global weather patterns, often intensifying storms. 

The current impact, hitting Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia, is particularly severe, with torrential rainfall leading to at least 130 reported deaths in what aid agencies describe as a rare flooding phenomenon.

The U.N.-backed Somali Water and Land Information Management project issues a dire warning of a flood event statistically likely only once in 100 years. 

As the rainy season persists until December, approximately 1.6 million people in Somalia could be affected by flooding events.

The central region of Hiran, especially Beledweyne, appears to be among the most devastated communities. Floodwaters have swept through, washing away homes and leaving families in displacement camps hungry and desperate for warm shelter.

Mukhtar Moalim, a shop owner in Beledweyne's market, recounts frantic attempts to save his property as the river bursts its banks. Despite swimming towards the shop with a relative to prevent water ingress, the rising water levels continue to threaten their residence above.

The toll of the flooding is stark, with at least 53 confirmed deaths reported across Somalia. Hassan Issee, managing emergency operations at the Somalia Disaster Management Agency, emphasizes the gravity of the situation, acknowledging efforts to provide relief to those affected.

The capital, Mogadishu, is not spared from the effects, with main streets, including the road to the airport, submerged in floodwaters. 

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, speaking from the Dollow district of the Gedo region, where numerous families have been displaced, appeals to the international community for support. Despite ongoing efforts, he underscores the need for additional assistance to cope with the crisis.