According to recent reports, the Somalia flash flood has killed 50 people and driven nearly 700,000 from their homes. It is speculated that the heavy rains starting Tuesday are expected to worsen the country’s already bad condition to the dismay of its citizens.
The devastated region is experiencing torrential rainfall and floods linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon. The horrid rain has claimed dozens of lives, and is causing large-scale displacement, including in Somalia, where the downpours have destroyed bridges and inundated residential areas.
Somali Disaster Management Agency director, Mohamud Moalim Abdullahimat disclosed at a press briefing on Monday that fifty people died in the disaster. He also said that 687,235 people were forced to flee their houses as a result of the flood.
His statement further reads, “The expected rains between 21st and 24th of November… may cause more flooding which could cause death and destruction,”.
OCHA, the UN humanitarian agency further confirmed on Saturday that the number of people displaced by heavy rains and floods in Somalia has nearly doubled in one week, while 1.7 million people overall have been affected by the disaster.
“In addition, roads, bridges and airstrips have been damaged in several areas, affecting the movement of people and supplies and leading to increased prices of basic commodities,” OCHA reiterated.
