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Somalia: At least 14 people killed, 405,000 others affected by flooding across Somalia since October

News Update
Somalia: At least 14 people killed, 405,000 others affected by flooding across Somalia since October
Source:
UN / OCHA
11/4/2023
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A notable increase in the amount and intensity of rainfall in Gedo region and the Ethiopian highlands over the last three days is expected to elevate the Juba river to bankfull level, creating a high risk of riverine flooding along the entire stretch of the river particularly in Gedo region, according to a flood advisory by the Food and Agriculture Organization/Somali Water and Land Information Management (FAO/SWALIM). Along the Shabelle river, water levels have increased slightly to just below the moderate flood risk levels in Belet Weyne, Bulo Burte and Jowhar, respectively. A flood wave is reportedly approaching the Somalia-Ethiopia border which could lead to a significant rise in the river level in coming days. In addition, heavy rains are anticipated over most areas of Bakool and Bay regions, leading to a high risk of flash flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas, particularly in Burhakaba, Diinsoor, Qansax Dheere, and Baidoa districts in Bay, as well as Waajid and Ceel Barde districts in Bakool. Since the start of the 2023 deyr (October to December) rains, floods due to heavy rains have affected at least 405,652 people, with 14 deaths, mostly in South West, Hirshabelle, Jubaland and Galmudug states. The biggest caseload is in South West where the number of affected sites for internally displaced people (IDPs) has increased from 273 to 386, out of a total of 611 sites. An estimated 268,243 people, mostly in Baidoa, are affected from an estimated IDP population of 650,000 people in the town. Across the country, most affected people are living within their settlements, but at least 47,100 people have relocated to higher grounds to avoid the risk of flooding. In Hirshabelle, about 6,714 families (38,359 people) have been displaced to five evacuation sites, including 2,858 from IDP sites and 3,856 from non-IDP locations. In Jubaland, over 15,000 families (about 90,000 people) have been affected by riverine and flash floods, based on preliminary findings from assessments and information from partners and authorities in Baardheere, Afmadhow, Doolow, Luuq, Ceel Waq, Garbaharey and Jamame districts. The floods have cut off access to markets and farms. Five people were killed in Ceel Waaq (three) and Garbaharey (two) by flash floods. Partners estimate that over 4,000 hectares of farmland has been flooded in Gedo region, affecting more than 6,000 farmers.

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