The Shebelle River, a vital lifeline for communities in Somalia’s Hiiraan region, has unleashed devastating floods, displacing over 400 farming and pastoralist families from their homes and livelihoods. Local authorities have issued urgent appeals for immediate aid and relief efforts to support the affected populations.
According to Mahmoud Osoble, the district commissioner of Bacaad in the Hiiraan region, the floods have impacted several villages in the northern parts of the region, including Bacaad, Qooqane, and other areas. The raging waters have submerged farmlands, destroyed irrigation canals, and swept away livestock, leaving families in dire straits.
“This is a catastrophic situation,” Osoble stated in an interview with local media. “We have over 475 households, with 405 of them being farmers and pastoralists, who have been displaced by the floods. They are in desperate need of assistance.”
The commissioner highlighted the pressing needs of the displaced families, including access to clean water, food, and healthcare services. Many have lost their homes, crops, and means of sustenance, leaving them vulnerable and without resources to rebuild their lives.
The Shebelle River, which originates in Ethiopia, has experienced four consecutive floods this year, exacerbating the situation in the region. Osoble recounted the devastating impact of the floods, saying, “The waters have destroyed everything in their path – farms, irrigation canals, and even motorized pumps used for agriculture.”
Families who have sought refuge in the town of Guricade, located in the Hiiraan region, have shared harrowing accounts of their ordeal. Some have lost their entire livelihoods, while others have been left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
“We had no choice but to flee,” said one displaced farmer, who requested anonymity. “The floodwaters swept away our crops, our livestock, and even our homes. We are now left with nothing, struggling to find food and water for our families.”
Local authorities have appealed to the federal government, regional administrations, and humanitarian organizations to respond swiftly and provide urgent assistance to the displaced communities. They have emphasized the need for immediate relief efforts, including the provision of food, clean water, shelter, and medical aid.
The situation in Hiiraan highlights the vulnerability of rural communities in Somalia to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. With limited resources and infrastructure, these communities are often left to bear the brunt of such disasters, further exacerbating existing challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and access to basic services.
As the floodwaters continue to recede, the long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts will be crucial in helping these displaced families rebuild their lives and restore their livelihoods. International support and collaboration with local authorities will be essential in addressing the immediate needs and implementing sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of future disasters in the region.
