200 000 forced to evacuate, fatalities feared as massive floods hit Beledweyne, Somalia
At least 200 000 residents, including 100 000 children, have been forced to evacuate their homes in the town of Beledweyne, Somalia following severe floods. Fatalities are also feared as up to 20 people were thrown into floodwater when a boat capsized in Beledweyne, near the Ethiopia border, on Monday, October 28, 2019. Two children are believed to be among those who drowned.
The number of fatalities is yet to be confirmed, however, news agency Xinhua reported that at least 10 people were killed.
The situation in #somalia is disheartening. There are concerns that waste from the destroyed latrines may have leaked into flood water, heightening fears of diseases such as Cholera. May Allah ease their suffering and pain.Keep them in your prayers.#Somaliafloods pic.twitter.com/8NuBw3Nm65
— Ameena Nawal Hashi (@Aminahashi5) October 30, 2019
Reer Baladweyne dhibka allaha ka dul qaado .
Aamiin. pic.twitter.com/rAuIh2Ligi
— Hon Mohamed kheire (@kheyrre) October 29, 2019
A member of rescue operation with Somalia Red Crescent in the capital city of Mogadishu says they found five dead bodies following floods, Tuesday, October 29.
Some 182,000 were forced out of their homes; the number of casualties is unconfirmed. (AFP) pic.twitter.com/VqoWwR9ZCZ
— The Voice of America (@VOANews) October 30, 2019
Beledweyne mayor Safiya Hassan Sheikh Ali Jimale was reportedly one of the surviving passengers.
Early seasonal rains have been triggering torrential rains across the country, particularly in southern areas. Approximately 163 000 of those displaced were in Beledweyne and surrounding areas alone. Over 320 000 people have also been affected.
Rivers Shabelle and Juba have also burst, causing widespread flooding in southern areas including Hirshabelle and Jubaland. Farms, infrastructure, and roads have been left destroyed.
Photo:- Shabelle river that divides Beledweyne into eastern and western sections.
The bread basket of Somalia is now under floods; where will these farmers migrate to, and what will be the fate of their livelihood and lives.Federalism is the best solution for Somalia.@HarunMaruf pic.twitter.com/q6bVH628UY— Mohamed Abdi (@mzeesiraj) October 31, 2019
Over 320,000 people have had to flee their homes to escape rising floodwaters in #Beledweyne town. As floodwaters move downstream thousands more will be impacted.
Everyone is working together to support those affected.
But needs far outstrip demands.#Somalia #Floods pic.twitter.com/Q7LmRX807Y
— Rory Crew CASH (@RoryCrewACA) October 31, 2019
The first humanitarian assistance from the Federal Government of #Somalia is expected to reach Beledweyne days after flash floods swept through the city, displacing thousands of families, says country's Information minister. pic.twitter.com/aHsFp8hIMJ
— Garowe Online (@radiogarowe) October 31, 2019
The Turkish Foreign Ministry extended its condolences in a statement on October 29, saying "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and extensive damage caused by the heavy flooding in the city of Beledweyne in Somalia. We share the grief of the friendly and brotherly Somali people, wish Allah’s mercy upon those who lost their lives and extend our condolences to their families."
Humanitarian organizations, local authorities, and national officials have been working together to assist residents in affected areas. Water, shelter, and medical assistance have been provided to evacuees as well.
The Southwest State floods rescue committee has on Thursday sent the first relief supply to the floods affected residents of Bardaale district in Baay region. #Somalia pic.twitter.com/5algEHZRnM
— Mohamed Omar Hussein (@shiinetown) October 31, 2019
Even our children participates Baladweyne Floods,Masha Allah.#PLGurmadkaBaladweyne #GaroweGurmadBaladwayne#Somalia#Baladwayne#ChildrensRole pic.twitter.com/fohWDEjDdM
— Maymun Abdinour (@MymoonAbdinour) October 31, 2019
In Beletweyne, there is a severe Humanitarian Emergency and it needs emergency assistance. Flooded river Jubba in Somalia is Closes All basic needs Like Education, Health, And All Business#help_Somalia #Somalia_River_floods#Crisis#beledweyne_Emergency #help #الصومال #Somalia pic.twitter.com/hWAAOv8RE9
— WorldHumanitarianCommunity (@whcteamofficial) October 31, 2019
Tropical Storm "Kyarr" is expected to make landfall in Puntland and Somaliland this week, bringing strong winds, rains and possible flash flooding.
Featured image credit: Hon Mohamed kheire
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