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Famine ravaged Somalia hit by floods

More Somalis will need aid because of the floods

Devastating floods have hit Somalia as the country continues to suffer from the effects of famine. Heavy rains have affected thousands of people and slowed down attempts by aid workers to deliver famine relief to those in need.

The worst affected region is Gedo, an area that the UN estimates will soon be declared a famine zone. Tens of thousands of Somalis will now require more aid as a result of the floods.

“The country needs rain for the harvest season, but not only has current rainfall been particularly heavy, it is affecting people who are already in a dire situation because of the famine - people who have been forced to leave their homes in search of food”, says Islamic Relief.   

In the capital, Mogadishu, close to 2,000 people lost their homes as rain water destroyed temporary shelter.

The rains have also caused disruption to roads making it difficult for aid works to reach vulnerable communities in need of vital food aid.

“The floods pose a challenge for aid agencies trying to reach people and it adds to the problems already faced by those in need”, added Islamic Relief.

The floods have raised the risk of water borne diseases like diarrhea and malaria in camps housing people displaced from their homes because of the famine. The camps are overcrowded, there is a lack of facilities to dispose of garbage and human waste, and malnourishment has weakened the immune systems of many people.

“Many Somalis are already suffering a great deal because of civil war and famine. These floods look set to make things much worse.”

Heavy rainfall has also affected northern parts of Kenya and has had a negative impact on aid efforts.