KISMAYO, Somalia – The President of Jubaland state of Somalia said that 14 people have died in the current floods in Somalia resulting from the Deyr rains.
Ahmed Madobe said that 90,000 families have been displaced by the floods, and some 70,000 are now stranded in their houses and they are in dire need of urgent assistance.
Speaking at the Jubaland cabinet meeting on Thursday, Madobe said Luuq, Bardhere, Dolow, Burdhubo, Jamame, Dhobley, and Elwak towns are the most hit areas.
Six people died in the Garbaharey district, 4 people died in the Bardhere district, and 2 people died in the Elwak and Middle Jubba districts as confirmed by the Jubaland President.
Jubbaland is largely affected by the flash floods from the heavy autumn rains. Some areas are isolated, such as the Luuq district in the Gedo region, according to the local officials.
The federal government and humanitarian organizations are working together to evacuate people who have been trapped by the floods in Jubaland and dispatched life-saving boats.
According to OCHA, Heavy rains, fueled by El-Niño, have resulted in devastating floods across Somalia. 1.17 million people affected so far, and 334,800 people displaced from their homes.
Some 28 deaths were reported, including 8 children. 2,400 people trapped by flood water are being evacuated. The flood came as Somalia was recovering from the worst drought in 40 years.
Efforts by the Somali government and aid agencies are ongoing to evacuate, relocate, and reach affected communities with urgent supplies and services despite access challenges.
