Baladweyn, SONNA- At least eight people have been killed by the floods caused by the Shabelle River in Baladweyne, the capital of Hiraan region in central Somalia, the district administration confirmed on Wednesday.
The river, which has been carrying a lot of water for the past few days, broke its banks and submerged several villages, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes and seek refuge in higher grounds.
The district commissioner of Baladweyne, Omar Osman Alasow, said that the floods have affected Koshin, Howlwadaag, Bundaweyn, and Xaawo Taako neighborhoods, and that the death toll could rise as the water levels continue to increase.
“We have confirmed the death of eight people so far, but we fear that more people might have drowned or been swept away by the floods. We are still assessing the situation and trying to reach the affected areas,” he said.
The district administration, in collaboration with the federal government and humanitarian agencies, is providing emergency assistance to the displaced people, such as food, water, shelter, and health services.
He appealed for more support from the international community to help the flood victims, who are facing the risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and insecurity.
