(07-10-23) MOGADISHU — The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has sounded an alarm over the imminent risk of severe flooding in Southern Somalia this October. The warning comes amid forecasts of heavy rainfall in the neighbouring Ethiopian highlands, which are expected to result in swollen Shabelle and Jubba rivers.
The Ministry indicated that several areas, including Beledweyne, Afgoye, Jowhar, Bardhere, Luuq, Dolow, Kismayo, Beled Haawo, Jalalaqsi, and the Balcad District, are at significant risk. The Ministry’s recent data suggests that the Ethiopian highlands could see rainfall amounts ranging from 150mm to 200mm.
“These conditions have the potential to culminate in severe flooding, placing lives of farmers and livestock at significant risk in these vulnerable riverine areas,” the Ministry said in a statement.
In addition to riverine regions, the Ministry forecasted considerable rainfall in other areas such as Bakool, Bay, Middle Jubba, Lower Jubba, Galgaduud, and Galmudug. The rainfall in these regions is expected to range from 25mm to 200mm.
The Ministry underscored the flood-related damages that could arise during the season, including loss of life, destruction of property, and displacement of families. “The recurring issue of flood-related damage has had severe repercussions, resulting in tragic loss of life and property and the displacement of numerous individuals,” the statement read.
Citizens, particularly those residing in riverine areas, have been urged to exercise extreme caution and take extraordinary measures to protect themselves and their communities. The Ministry also calls upon citizens to cooperate with local authorities and stay informed to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
The warning follows a similar advisory from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) four days earlier, which outlined risks along the Shabelle and Jubba rivers. According to the FAO, 196 areas are at risk of flooding, including 170 locations along the Shabelle River and 26 along the Jubba River.
With the dual threat of the annual rainy season and an anticipated El Niño event, Somalia finds itself on the front line of climate-related challenges as it braces for the months ahead.
Halqabsi News
