Widespread damage as Tropical Cyclone “Pawan” makes landfall in Puntland, Somalia
Tropical Cyclone "Pawan" made landfall in the Puntland State of Somalia on December 7, 2019, with wind gusts reaching 80 km/h (50 mph). It hit the coastal city of Eyl in Nugal Region, according to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management. The severe weather has resulted in damaged homes, ravaged crops, and two fatalities.
One person was killed when his fishing boat capsized. The other victim was reported in Eyl, according to local media.
"The extreme weather conditions have led to the destruction of property and infrastructure including roads, buildings, and boats," said the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The northeastern parts of Somalia had been suffering for two days since the storm touched down.
Furthermore, the agency reported that most stations in the affected area recorded high amounts of rainfall. Somali Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) said there were areas in Puntland that registered "more than 3 times their long term mean annual rainfall during the storm."
#Somali: Some residents forced to flee as cyclone #Pawan batters coastal areas. This resident fled from the vicinity of Eyl town, Puntland. He says some homes have been destroyed, flooded, and more rains expected. pic.twitter.com/uh0HfXiGiP
— Harun Maruf (@HarunMaruf) December 8, 2019
#Puntland state delays all flights at Garowe airport on Saturday, due to heavy rains in the region over the past hours. Initial reports say #Pawan cyclone has reached coastal area's in Northern #Somalia, Residents say floods swept a way number of vehicles & there is casualties. pic.twitter.com/cAHGJibmh5
— Mogadishu Update (@Magdashi3) December 7, 2019
A total of 260 mm (9.8 inches) was recorded in Eyl, while Dongoroyo received 198 mm (7.8 inches) in two days. Among other notable amounts were 85 mm (3.3 inches) in Garowe, 80 mm (3.1 inches) in Hashbahale, 75 mm (2.9 inches) in Iskushuban, 52 mm (2.0 inches) in Buuhoodle, and 48 mm (1.9 inches) in Qardo.
The Eyl river burst its banks, sending raging waters across streets and roads. Images shared on social media showed a few vehicles submerged. Around 50 homes and 200 farms were destroyed. There were also major flight disruptions from and to Garowe airport.
"Currently, flash floods still threaten many areas following the heavy downpour that is still being experienced in some areas. The rains are expected to spread further inland to many areas within Somaliland, Puntland, and central regions," FAO warned. Residents have fled their homes as a precaution.
Pawan is the eighth named storm of the 2019 North Indian Ocean cyclone season.
The aftermath of cylone Pawan made landfall and battered in parts of Puntland, affected coastal and rural areas. The floods swept away livestock, destroyed houses and cut off roads parts of Nugal and Mudug, regions. Relief is a necessity for those affected cyclone powan. pic.twitter.com/kELYaAzlaa
— Mohamed Osman (@Mohamed_Muumin) December 8, 2019
Baqbaq, Qundhed,Eyl,Dangorayo Garmaal,Lasqoray&Durduri villages hardest hit by heavy rains in the Nugal&Sanaag regions of #Puntland. In other areas, homes were destroyed, livestock swept away and public transport cut off . Effects of cyclone #Pawan. #Somalia @UNOCHA#Humanitarian pic.twitter.com/IGqfshNlHa
— Mohamoud Salah Mohamoud (@MohamoudSalahM1) December 8, 2019
Baqbaq, Qundhed, Eyl, Dangorayo Garmaal, Lasqoray & Durduri villages were the hardest hit by Cyclone #Pawan in the Nugal & Sanaag regions of #Puntland. Although the storm weakened, there are reports stating another cyclone could possibly form from this. Pray for Somalia. pic.twitter.com/VIenIDCSgs
— Somali News Updates (@Somaliweyn_) December 8, 2019
In the #Nugal region, especially in #Eyl town heavy rains and high winds destroyed 50 homes, and smashed 200 farms, residents told Puntland Mirror, adding a nomad child was dead due cold and floods swept away hundreds of livestock of rural families. pic.twitter.com/QIWeSOSO8c
— Puntland Mirror (@Puntlandmirror) December 8, 2019
At 2.50pm local time it started again to #rain intensely in #Garowe.
While these rains might create problems in the city which cannot absorb all that #water the countryside will benefit immensely from these unexpected late autumn showers.#Puntland #Somalia #Pawan @FAOSomalia pic.twitter.com/F6nw1LYJzE— Shakiib Shakiib (@shakiibs) December 8, 2019
Featured image credit: @Magdashi3/Twitter
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