River Shabelle flows again even as drought persists

 Water is again flowing in the River Shabelle after it dried up following the ongoing drought in various parts of the country

River Shabelle, which originates from mountains in neighbouring Ethiopia, began flowing this week after about three months with cases of death reported as a result of water shortage.

Goobjoog News correspondent in Hiraan says the River Shabelle flows again though the level of the water is not as usual.

River-fed farmlands have become parched bare land, as farmers of Hiiraan, Middle and Lower Shabelle regions say the recent dryness of the river had caused a lot of damage to crops, our correspondent says.

“We have been facing dire situation as most of us lost what we planted last season following the drying up of the river Shabelle” said Abdi Farah a farmer in Baladweyne town. “We are happy, the water of the river started following once again and we resume our agricultural activities.”

Residents say though the level of the water  is low, the flow is a glimmer of hope.

“We have been having worried as there was serious water scarcity around villages, and many people were trekking long distances to fetch water from wells,” said Mohamed Hussein, a resident in Baladweyne town.