Tragic Weather in Somalia: A Story of Resilience and Urgency

GAROWE, Somalia (KAAB TV) – As we look at Somalia over the past few weeks, a grim picture emerges from the seasonal Gu rains that began in April and continue to impact various regions. Tragically, at least 17 lives have been lost due to the flash floods, according to official reports and humanitarian agencies. This isn’t just a story of weather, but one of human resilience amidst adversity.

Mogadishu: Bearing the Brunt

The Banadir Regional Administration has confirmed that Mogadishu, our vibrant capital, witnessed 11 fatalities alone during the rains of May 9 and 10. The metropolis was overwhelmed, illustrating nature’s indiscriminate power. It’s a stark reminder—what is our relationship with nature in these rapidly changing times?

Over 84,000 people across the nation have felt the impact of these rains, with regions like Puntland and North Western State of Somalia continuing to suffer from drought. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) brings this stark reality to light through their detailed reports.

In Mogadishu’s Kahda and Daynile districts, flash floods have taken a toll on over 3,810 households, affecting approximately 22,500 people and displacing 430 households. Imagine waking up one day with your home under threat—not just from water, but from uncertainty. Six major roads were submerged, impacting everything from airport operations to humanitarian supplies.

Further Disruptions and Hardships

Outside the capital, essential supply routes in Belet Weyne, Baidoa, Doolow, and the Mogadishu–Kismayo coastal road have suffered severe disruptions.

Hirshabelle State: An Urgent Call

On May 12, heavy rains led to rampant flooding in Jowhar and Balcad districts, Middle Shabelle, and Hiraan. The UNHCR Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network (PSMN) observed around 16,200 individuals affected in Jowhar alone.

The Shabelle River overflowed in Baarey village, flooding farmlands and displacing residents in nearby areas. Isn’t it curious how a lifeline like a river can turn into a source of despair?

The impact is staggering: 1,450 households in Jowhar IDP camps and an additional 620 households in Balcad displaced. Roads that once connected Xawaadley to Jowhar and Balcad are now impassable, forcing many to seek refuge in Xawaadley town.

Galmudug State: Nature’s Wrath and Health Concerns

In May, moderate rains swept through Dhuusamarreeb and Cabudwaaq. A lightning strike at Cabudwaaq’s main market tragically claimed a life and injured two others—nature’s unpredictable fury manifesting in a split second.

Gaalkacyo South Referral Hospital reports a worrying rise in suspected Acute Watery Diarrhea/cholera cases, with 22 patients currently treated. Health concerns often accompany such natural disasters, burdening already strained resources.

Jubaland State: Homes in Tatters

In Baardheere district, relentless rains on May 5 caused havoc across 54 IDP sites, impacting 3,740 households. For over 2,000 households, the damage is severe. Some displaced families have found refuge with welcoming host communities, showcasing a humanity that perseveres.

Puntland State: A Mixed Bag

While much of Puntland remains parched, flash floods in mid-April briefly disrupted lives in Bari and Nugaal regions, affecting 27,000 people. After the waters receded, life slowly returned to normal, but the scars of disruption linger.

Light rains have brought minimal relief to the nomadic pastoralist communities, who make up over 70 percent of the region’s population. Their resilience often begs the question: How do they persist in such harsh conditions?

North Western State of Somalia: Scant Rains

Reports from partners indicate inadequate rainfall in North Western State of Somalia. While Hargeisa saw moderate rains in early May, the skies have since turned dry. These conditions, especially in Awdal region, continue to challenge pastoralist livelihoods.

South West State: On the Edge

The Shabelle River teeters at a critical level in the Afgooye district. Already, 273 households face the brunt in surrounding villages. The ongoing crisis brings to mind a touching local proverb: “He who does not look ahead remains behind.”

Flash floods in Baidoa have disrupted the lives of internally displaced persons in 78 sites. When will real relief come for these vulnerable communities?

Banadir Region: An Urgent Appeal

Authorities report significant infrastructure damage in Mogadishu. The submergence of 200 houses and destruction of roads have led to a desperate call for aid. Per FAO Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) unit, rainfall is expected to let up, but lasting solutions remain elusive.

Despite the destruction, rains have also improved water and pasture availability in some areas, providing much-needed relief. Yet, immediate support is critical for those displaced by the floods. It’s a stark reminder that nature’s fury is accompanied by its bounty, a paradox we must navigate.

Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times international–Monitoring.