Over 300,000 displaced by floods in Somalia, UN warns of adverse situation as heavy rains persist

GOOBJOOG NEWS|MOGADISHU: Over 300,000 people in Somalia have been displaced by floods, while 29 others have been killed as several towns are inundated, the UN and Somali government have said.

The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA said in a briefing Thursday that 334,000 people have been displaced countrywide with a majority in South West, Jubaland and Puntland states. The UN agency noted that 1.17 million people had been temporarily affected by the floods.

The South West state is most affected, OCHA said, noting 310,000 people had been impacted by the floods. Jubaland follows with 201,000 and Puntland with 145,800. At least 28 people have died, including at least eight children.

Puntland accounts for the highest displacement, with 101,000 people forced to temporarily abandon their homes, followed by Jubaland with 99,000. In Galmudug State, 453 houses have been destroyed and 7,000 latrines damaged or flooded in south Gaalkacyo. 

OCHA said the situation is likely to worse as more rains are expected to continue until next week.

In Luuq district, Gedo region, humanitarian partners and the Federal Government have secured a boat and are evacuating up to 2,400 people who were trapped by flood water. Another 14,000 people are reportedly cut-off by flood water from Baardheere main town and the authorities in Doolow are trying to deploy boats to evacuate them. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the trapped families are running out of food.