Mogadishu hit by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours, killing 7, Somalia

Nearly 60 mm (2.3 inches) of rain fell in Somalia's capital Mogadishu from May 10 to 11, 2020-- almost equivalent to the city's average rainfall for the entire month of May, which is 61 mm (2.4 inches). Flooding and damages were reported, as well as seven fatalities. Roughly 550 000 people have been affected and 217 000 have been displaced across the country since the Gu or seasonal rains began in early April.

At least seven people lost their lives-- five of which were believed to be members of the same family, including four children and their grandmother. Their house reportedly collapsed following the heavy downpour. 

Residents nearby had to be rescued, while some people had evacuated their homes. Streets looked like raging rivers as poor drainage system resulted in inundations. 

On Tuesday, May 12, the UAE has sent aid to Somalia to help thousands of flood victims, as well as patients infected with the coronavirus. More than 35 tonnes of life-saving equipment was on board the flight to Mogadishu.

The aircraft was chartered at the order of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai's vice president.

More than half a million people have been affected by heavy rains since April this year, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Featured image credit: Mogadishu Update/Twitter