9 killed, state of emergency after a year’s worth of rain hits Djibouti in just 48 hours
Nine people have been killed in floods in Djibouti City, Djibouti, after almost a year's worth of rain fell in 48 hours to November 21, 2019. The government has since declared a state of emergency.
News and information agency, Agence Djiboutienne d'Information (ADI), said 140 mm (5.5 inches) of rain fell in the capital city in two days.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average annual rainfall in the city is around 164 mm (6.4 inches).
Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) reported that about 30 000 households have been affected, and infrastructure and establishments have been damaged.
Among the nine fatalities, five were members of the same family who were killed after their house collapsed during torrential rain. The tragedy took place in Balbala, a southern suburb of Djibouti City, west of Ambouli River.
The European Union has activated its Copernicus emergency mapping service which uses "satellite imagery and other geospatial data to provide free of charge mapping service in cases of natural disasters, human-made emergency situations and humanitarian crises throughout the world," as stated on its website. One delineation map has also already been produced.
A regional rapid response expert from DG ECHO has been deployed to Djibouti.
Djibouti vue du ciel après les fortes pluies. pic.twitter.com/Hx4iJ8cOsK
— Radio Télévision Djibouti (@rtdteledjibouti) November 23, 2019
AL-AOUL Group a débuté la réhabilitation des #toitures des #habitations suite aux #inondations #Djibouti pic.twitter.com/4QSL9uoeiy
— DJIBINFO (@infodjibmarket) November 25, 2019
La forte pluie cause de gros dégâts. pic.twitter.com/fOJnz4dqZ1
— Radio Télévision Djibouti (@rtdteledjibouti) November 23, 2019
World Health Organization (WHO) representative Dr. Ahmed Zouiten said the agency has mobilized its teams to extend relief and support to the victims.
@WHO stand ready to support @MinSantedj and #Djibouti government to respond to the emergency situation due to the torrential rains affecting Over the last few days
WHO already pledged US$ 50000 and ordered medicines and supplies to cover the needs of up to 50000 people. pic.twitter.com/vgUPojsTpt— Dr Ahmed ZOUITEN (@DrAhmedZouiten) November 23, 2019
In response to the floods that affected #Djibouti recently, @WHO mobilized its Teams to provide Relief and Support to the flood victims in coordination with @segrcdjibouti & @MinSantedj
– 5 Emergency Health Kits
– 30000 liters of drinking water
– 30000 Insecticide treated nets pic.twitter.com/Q0ZVVssbm6— Dr Ahmed ZOUITEN (@DrAhmedZouiten) November 25, 2019
Featured image credit: @rtdeledjibouti/Twitter
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