SAnews.gov.za
Saturday, November 16, 2013
President Jacob Zuma has conveyed his
condolences to the people of Somalia following a tropical cyclone which
killed at least 150 people and has affected more than 250 000
households.
Authorities in the northeastern Somali state of Puntland on Wednesday
said heavy torrential rains, high wind speeds and flooding had created a
state of emergency. Hundreds were feared dead and unaccounted for.
The region was hit by tropical cyclone on Saturday and heavy rains
which led to flash floods. The roads cut by the storm are posing a
logistical problem and hampering the delivery of aid to the coastal
areas, said officials.
A million livestock have perished leaving the vulnerable people of Somalia more destitute.
"Our sincere sympathy goes out to all the victims of the cyclone; in
particular, women and children who are the worst affected during such
natural disasters. The people of South Africa share the pain and loss of
those who lost their loved ones, their homes and property.
"South Africa stands by Somalia and we also wish those injured speedy recovery," said Zuma.