Tropical storm to cause strong winds, flash floods across Puntland and Somaliland

GAROWE, Puntland - A strong storm is expected across the coastline of Puntland and Somaliland on Friday, Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has warned.

In the alert issued through Somali Water And Land Information Management (Swalim) on Wednesday, several towns will be affected with the storm.

The storm, Swalim said, will intensity towards the South Coast direction and across Mudug coastline, in which both Hobyo and Eyl will be affected.

"A tropical storm currently centered in North of Indian Ocean at Puntland coastline is expected to intensify further and move in a South West direction and across Mudug coast between Hobyo and Eyl on December 6th," the statement reads.

Under it's influence, Swalim added, "moderate to heavy rains are expected to cause flash floods. Mudug, Nugaal, Bari and Sanaag will be affected. Strong winds will also cause destructions".

The entire Somalia region has been receiving intensive rains since October, with some regions experiencing devastating flash floods.

Already, over 200,000 people have been displaced both across Central Somalia and along the coast. In the process, dozens have also succumbed.

Beledweyne town located along the banks of River Shebelle, is among those towns that have recorded highest cases of deaths and displacements.

While current probability indicate low chances of cyclone, FAO says, "If it makes a landfall, it will have a devastating effect. Communities along the coast are advised to take precautions."

United Nations umbrella of led by UNSOM and Federal Goverment of Somalia have been coordinating disbursement of humanitarian aid.

Also, the opposition Forum for National Parties (FNP), has played indispensable role in helping regions that are adversely affected by flash floods.

In the statement, FAO said: "Swalim and partners are monitoring the situation and will update you accordingly on the right decisions."

A report by United Nations Panel of Experts recently revealed that Al-Shabaab militants have been taking advantage of inaccessibility to some regions to expand their dominance.

The group, the report added, usually offers food, water and shelter to regions hit by floods solely to "spread their ideology and recruit more members".

GAROWE ONLINE