Fresh flooding risk alert issued in Somalia amid rising river levels

The government has taken measures to mitigate the flood effects to ensure safety and support to affected populations.

Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) is warning of possible flooding in major towns and villages around Somalia's two main rivers - Shabelle and Juba, as well as in major water distributaries, warning of potential impact on lives and properties.

SoDMA says water levels at both Juba and Shabelle rivers and distributaries are rising at an alarming rate due to ongoing heavy rains in Somalia and Ethiopian highlands and warns those living on riparian land to move to high ground and prepare themselves for major flooding and waterborne diseases in the coming ten days starting today.

“The next 10 days from May 7 to May 16, there is a high possibility of major floods from overflowing rivers and distributaries that are likely to affect the following districts; Dolow, Luuq, Buale, Jilib, Baletweyne, Bulaburde, Jalalaqsi, Mahaday, Jowhar, Balcad as well as others away from the rivers,” a statement from SoDMA read.

The disaster agency warned people living in and around the two rivers and major distributaries to move to higher grounds and desist from crossing flooded roads and bridges.

Shabelle and Juba rivers stream downwards from the Ethiopian highlands and cut across Somalia passing through more than 20 towns providing a lifeline to millions of people through farming and grazing of livestock.

But when the two rivers flood, the water spillage causes major suffering and death affecting many.

“Water levels in Shabelle and Juba rivers are rising at an alarming rate due to heavy rains in parts of Somalia as well as in the Ethiopian highlands. SoDMa once again issues a public warning and recommendations for the public to remain alert on the effects of the heavy rains likely to affect their lives and property,” the statement added.

Like other East African countries, Somalia is also grappling with the effects of heavy rains that continue to pound parts of the country.

During the 2023 El-Nino-induced floods, nearly 2.48 million people were imparted, with 1.2 million individuals displaced and 118 reported fatalities, according to SoDMA.

Beletweyne is one of the most affected towns. River Shabelle meanders across it almost engulfing it. Whenever floods happen, the entire city is often flooded causing massive displacements and property damage.

Ismail Abdi, a local farmer from Beletweyne, said the river is already swelling and warned his fellow residents not to be caught off guard.

“River Shabelle is both our lifeline and disaster as well. I farm vegetables and fruits on my farm along the river bank. We have noticed water levels rising rapidly. I fear my farm will be submerged again,” he told The Eastleigh Voice by telephone.

The government has taken measures to mitigate the flood effects to ensure safety and support to affected populations.

These measures include rapid deployment of emergency teams, establishment of emergency shelters, and distribution of essential supplies to high-risk areas.