More people die as flash floods hit Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Two more people died on Monday as flush floods continued to wreak havoc in Somalia, even as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called for an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the effects of the floods and possible measures to prevent further catastrophes.

According to reports, a government soldier and a civilian were among those who died on Monday in Beledweyne town in the Hiiraan region, which is severely affected by the floods. The death toll has now climbed to 33, authorities reported on Monday.

The government had deployed soldiers in affected areas besides donating boats to help locals navigate as Rivers Juba and Shabelle broke banks within the country. Over 500,000 people living in lowlands have since been displaced, authorities confirmed.

Reports indicate that the Somali Custodial and Corrections Services soldier died inside the Lamagalaay Military Base Camp, one of the areas affected by the floodwater. However, officials did not give further details on the case.

The civilian died while crossing the dangerous Noor Hawad Bridge to reach the highland areas in which most locals have been taking shelter after River Shabelle broke its banks. Most people have been forced to flee their homes for safety.

Earlier this week, Daudi Aweis, the Minister of Information, said the country has put measures in place to prevent further deaths, adding that the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has been assisting the country in helping thousands of victims.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has called for assistance from foreign nations as the country grapples with the devastating effects of floods which he says could cause more damage. Somalia usually witnesses flush floods after long dry spells which equally have monumental negative results.

GAROWE ONLINE