Hassan Istiila
Tuesday May 7, 2024
FILE PHOTO
Beledweyne (HOL) - The Shabelle River in the central Somali town of Beledweyne has received higher-than-usual amounts of water, raising concerns of potential floods, according to a new warning report.
The latest update report from the Somali Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, released on Monday, has urged residents in the vicinity of the river and other water bodies to stay away, to mitigate the risks posed by flooding.
According to the latest report by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the ongoing Gu rains have already impacted over 163,400 people and displaced at least 37,120 in Hirshabelle, Jubaland, and South West states.
The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia, crucial for addressing these issues, is only 11% funded, with a total need of $1.6 billion. With the rains expected to continue, the urgent call for increased international aid and funding is necessary to scale up response efforts and provide necessary relief to the affected communities.