Families forced to flee Beletweyne amid heavy floods

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BELETWEYNE: Several families have been forced to leave their homes in Hiiraan region after the Shabelle River burst its banks following heavy rains in the region and southern Ethiopian highlands where the river originates.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the Somali Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM), Somali Water and Land Information Management The river levels at Belet Weyne steadily increased from 6.38m on 26th April to 7.90m as of yesterday.

“Since 2nd May 2023 when the high flood risk level was reached at Belet Weyne, any increment in runoff occasioned by the moderate rains across the Ethiopian border can potentially lead to river flooding,” the two organisations said in a briefing on Monday.

Hundreds of families were seen parking their household items into lorries, donkey carts and auto-rickshaws among other forms of transport to leave for higher grounds in Beletweyne.

According to residents, heavy water flows have been witnessed in Haawo Taako, Howlwadaag, Koshin and Bundo Weyn areas forcing families to move.

Beletweyne town has witnessed perennial displacements, destruction of property and deaths amid failed attempts by the government and NGOs to establish a permanent solution to the Shabelle River challenge.