SOMALI: Nearly 250,000 flee as floods transform Somali city into ‘an ocean

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Nearly 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in Beledweyne, Somalia, following devastating flash floods caused by the Shabelle River overflowing its banks. This disaster, which occurred amidst the country’s worst drought in 40 years, has left 22 dead and impacted over 450,000 individuals, according to the UN’s OCHA.

Local resident Ahmed Nur described the scene: “At once the entire city was underwater. Beledweyne itself became like an ocean.” He noted that the floods destroyed homes, crops, and livestock, and disrupted schools and hospitals. Despite the recent rains, which brought temporary relief, the overall situation remains dire, with OCHA warning that recovery from previous poor rainfall seasons will take significant time.

Halima Abdullahi, another resident, expressed her despair, stating, “Beledweyne no longer exists.” The floods are exacerbated by factors such as climate change and global conflicts, notably the war in Ukraine, which have contributed to rising food prices and severe humanitarian crises.

(Source: CNN)

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Chioma Ndukwu

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