Calls for 'natural disaster' solution as Somalia faces worst floods

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Saturday visited the country’s flood-stricken central region, where over10 people died and 60,000 forced to flee their homes last week, Garowe Online reports.

Under heavy protection, Farmajo accompanied by HirShabelle State leader Mohamed Abdi Waare and Hiran regional officials waded through the water in Beledweyne to assess the scale of the disaster and people’s plight.

According to a statement released by Villa Somalia, the President has directed state agencies to accelerate efforts to find a durable solution for the recurrent natural disasters in the conflict-riddled Horn of Africa country.

Prior to his short visit, the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia asked International aid agencies working in Somalia to provide quick relief to hundreds of thousands of flood-hit families in Hiran, Gedo and Bay regions.

Since last month, the regions have suffered some of the heaviest daily rainfall on record, which caused chaos on the roads, cutting public transport and prompting rivers to burst their banks and then swept through close towns.

The flash floods forced at least 85 schools to close and 27,500 students are out of classes while 85% of the businesses locked their doors. Local officials said more than 10 people, including presidential aide dead after a boat capsized.

Officials estimate the flooding caused hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure.

The Somalis in the country and abroad started immense efforts, including fundraising campaigns aimed to support the people affected by the floods while the Government has appointed a committee to respond to the disaster.

Bardale town in the Bay region has been hit by floods after heavy rains. Locals have argued that there have been no relief organizations in the town to help the affected residents. Severe flooding also reported in Gedo where the situation is deteriorating.

GAROWE ONLINE