Somalia – 175,000 Displaced as Flood Situation Worsens

Update, 04 May 2018:

Further information about the flood situation in Somalia was released on 03 May by UN and other agencies. The updated figures show that over 214,000 people have been displaced by the flooding and almost 700,000 affected, mostly in Hirshabelle, South West, Jubaland, Galmudug states and Banadir region.

The map by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) DG ECHO below shows the areas and extent of the flooding. The full map can be seen here.

Original report, 03 May 2018:

The flood situation in Somalia has worsened over the last few days. Observers say the current floods are some of the worst the region has ever seen.

The UN says that flash and river floods have now affected 427,000 people in Hirshabelle, South West and Jubaland states as well as Banadir region.

Almost 175,000 people have been displaced by the flooding, with most of them in Hiraan province. The UN says that an estimated 122,580 people have been displaced in Belet Weyne (Beledweyne) town and surrounding riverine villages after the Shabelle River burst its banks and inundated houses and crops. Some of the affected were already internally displaced.

“Internally displaced people remain the most vulnerable to the impact of the flooding with many camps located in low-lying areas,” Stéphane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General said, briefing reporters in New York on Monday.

“Humanitarian partners on the ground have prioritized water, sanitation, hygiene, [health,] shelter and food response in their interventions,” he added.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) delivered 4.5 million metric tons of medicines and other medical supplies to Belet Weyne on 29 April.

African Union Mission In Somalia (AMISON) and Somali national security forces also brought supplies and helped evacuate as many as 10,000 people marooned by floods in areas surrounding the town.

Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire has appealed to the international community for humanitarian support to help avert a humanitarian crisis as floods uproot hundreds of thousands.

Worst Floods in 50 Years

Thousands were displaced by floods in Somalia in similar circumstances 2 years ago when the Shabelle River overflowed. However, recent assessments suggest the current situation is on a larger scale. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the current floods are some of the worst the region has ever seen, and the current water level exceeds a 50-year return period in most locations.

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