Thousands of people are stranded in flooded areas due to heavy rains in Somalia’s Jubbaland state, according to the United Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The heavy rains that began last month have raised water levels in the Juba River, leading to flooding in riverine areas.
OCHA revealed that in Luuq district, approximately 2,400 people are trapped in an area surrounded by floodwaters. Authorities and rescue partners are working to evacuate the stranded individuals.
The flash floods have already caused significant damage in Somalia. OCHA reported that at least 14 people have lost their lives, and 47,000 have been displaced by the floods since last month. The situation has affected various states, including Hirshabelle and the southwest states.
Daud Aweis, Somalia’s Information Minister, has called for support and described the situation as critical.
The country has been grappling with unusually heavy rains after emerging from one of its worst droughts in four decades.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation has issued a warning of a high risk of flooding, particularly in the southwestern Gedo region.
