The Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has delivered six tons of humanitarian aid to Baardheere, a district in Gedo region that was severely affected by the floods of the Jubba river. The aid was transported by a plane that landed in Baardheere on Thursday, November 16, 2023.
The aid includes food, water, medicine, and other essential items for the people who are suffering from the droughts and floods that have hit the region. According to SoDMA, the relief is intended to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and support the recovery efforts of the local authorities and communities.
Baardheere is one of the districts that experienced the worst impact of the floods caused by the Jubba river, which overflowed its banks and submerged large areas of land. The floods also damaged roads, bridges, and infrastructure, making it difficult for the relief workers to access the affected areas. The Disaster Management Agency had previously sent large boats to the city to rescue people who were trapped by the water and relocate them to safer places.
The floods were triggered by the El-Niño phenomenon, which brought heavy rains to the Horn of Africa region. The rains also caused landslides and flash floods in other parts of Somalia, displacing thousands of people and destroying crops and livestock. The floods exacerbated the already dire situation of the Somali people, who have been facing recurrent droughts, conflicts, and insecurity for decades.
SoDMA is the national agency responsible for coordinating and managing disaster response and preparedness in Somalia. It works in collaboration with the federal and regional governments, the United Nations, and other humanitarian partners to provide assistance and protection to the affected populations. SoDMA also conducts assessments, early warning, and risk reduction activities to enhance the resilience and coping capacity of the Somali people.
