Shabelle River Nears Flood Warning Level in Jowhar

GOOBJOOG NEWS| SHABELLE BASIN: The water level of the Shabelle River in Jowhar has risen sharply within a week, approaching the flood warning threshold, according to the latest forecast from FAO-SWALIM.

The river level increased from 2.48 metres to 4.70 metres, a rise of 2.22 metres. The latest reading is only 30 centimetres below the moderate-risk level of five metres, while the high-risk threshold stands at 5.25 metres.

FAO-SWALIM said the rate of increase has slowed slightly. However, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of Somalia and the Ethiopian highlands.

Rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands can raise water levels in the Shabelle and Jubba rivers even when little rain falls inside Somalia.

River levels were recorded at four metres in Beledweyne and 3.20 metres in Buuloburde. Meanwhile, the Jubba River remains stable, according to readings taken in Doolow and Luuq.

The rapid rise in Jowhar could threaten farms, homes and roads along the river, particularly if rainfall intensifies in Ethiopia. Flooding could also displace communities, destroy crops and cut off vital supply and humanitarian-aid routes.

The Hirshabelle administration and emergency agencies have been urged to reinforce riverbanks, close vulnerable sections, prepare evacuation routes and provide communities with regular warnings.