(29-04-23) MOGADISHU – The capital city of Somalia, Mogadishu, was hit by torrential rains on Friday, causing extensive damage to homes, roads, and affecting numerous families. Districts like Wartanabad experienced massive losses due to the deluge, which left parts of the city submerged and impassable.
Local media sources reported that at least six Bajaj motorcycles were swept away by the floodwaters, ending up in a large dam filled with stagnant water. The riders, young taxpayers in the area, appealed to the government for assistance, stating that they had nowhere to turn for help after their motorbikes were washed away.
In the Wartanabad district, some neighborhoods suffered from collapsed houses, and there were reports of children being swept away by the water. However, the full extent of the devastation has not yet been reported.
The heavy rain caused severe flooding across Mogadishu, rendering some areas impossible to traverse. As of Friday night, water continued to flow through the streets, indicating that the situation may not improve any time soon.
Mogadishu’s infrastructure is ill-prepared for rainwater management, leading to recurring floods during every rainy season. The city’s poor families, who live in shacks and old houses, bear the brunt of these floods each year. The regional government has not taken significant steps to improve the city’s drainage system, exacerbating the problem and leaving residents vulnerable to further damage.
With this latest round of heavy rainfall, residents are once again calling for government intervention and a more effective approach to managing rainwater in the city. Until improvements are made, Mogadishu will continue to suffer the consequences of inadequate infrastructure during the rainy season.
© Halqabsi News
