Torrential rains and the flooding of rivers have caused the worst flooding for 50 years in Somalia, affecting over half a million people.
The swollen Shabelle and Juba rivers burst their banks, submerging entire villages and forcing people to escape to higher ground. The worst hit areas are Hiran and Middle Shabelle, close to Puntland.
Destruction
The floods have brought death, destruction of homes and farmland, swept away livestock and destroyed crops.
Stored food supplies of sorghum, maize and sesame have also been lost to the flood waters, causing food shortages.
Women living in temporary shelters
Drought Affected
The severe drought earlier this year meant many people have already
exhausted their resources leaving them much more vulnerable to the
floods.
Crocodile Peril
The displaced families are living in wretched conditions, in fear of crocodile and snake attacks.
There are few shelters, food is limited and there is no access to clean water.
These unsanitary conditions create a risk of diseases spreading fast –
malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases.
Access
The escalating political conflict in Somalia, the lack of
infrastructure and the absence of a central government are all
hindering the humanitarian aid efforts in the country.
The floods have left large areas of the country inaccessible by road.
Boats are being used to ferry in aid, while in more remote regions aid
has had to be air-dropped in.
Islamic Relief Action
Islamic Relief Somalia office has distributed 500 food packs so far,
reaching 3,000 people in the Balad District, 50km north of Mogadishu.
Each food pack contains 10kg flour, 10kg rice, 10kg sugar, 6kg dates, and 3 ltr cooking oil.
Our rapid assessment team has established the immediate needs of the
displaced people as food, shelter, clean water, medicine and kitchen
utensils.
Islamic Relief plans more distributions of food as well as hygiene kits, malaria medication and kitchen sets.