Over 2,000 children orphaned in Mogadishu truck bombing-report

At least 2,000 children aged between one and 14 years were orphaned in three bomb attacks late last year including the deadly October 14 truck bombing which claimed over 500 lives.

A volunteer group-Gurmad which coordinated the rescue and recovery during the October truck bombing said a total of 2,360 children were orphaned in the three bombings which included the Nasahablood II and Gen. Kaahiye Police Academy attacks  in October and December respectively.

A total of 656 people died in the three attacks, the group said noting cumulatively, 3,748 people were affected by the attacks either orphaned, injured or loss of business.

Volunteers and government donated $4,402,684 to support the victims of the attack. According to the report released by Gurmad Sunday, Salaam Bank donated $2.2m while the government through the Central Bank gave $1m. Others were Dahabshiil Bank (333,064.82), Amal Bank (742,082.44). Public donations through the Go Fund Me online platform generated $905 among others.

The group said it spent $1.8 million to support orphans while $302 was used to treat the injured and a further $305.3 given to families which lost their kin during the attacks.

Gurmad spent a total of $1.2 million for recovery which include job creation, reconstruction of shops and compensation for vehicle owners who lost them in the bombing.

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