Somalia: Flash Floods Kill 17, Displace Over 84,000 in Somalia

Mogadishu, Somalia — Flash floods have killed at least 17 people. More than 84,000 others have been displaced due to torrential rains since mid-April. The United Nations relief agency reported this on Tuesday.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) conducted an assessment. They found extensive damage to infrastructure and an urgent need for help. OCHA stated that partners are providing assistance in affected areas. This includes food, shelter items, hygiene kits, and cash support.

Heavy rains in the Banadir Region on May 9 caused severe flash floods. These floods killed nine people and affected at least 24,600 individuals. Key infrastructure was damaged in several districts, and shelters were swept away.

Since mid-April, light to heavy Gu seasonal rains have caused localized flooding across the country. The Somali government has formed a committee to address the flooding crisis. This committee includes federal ministers and regional officials.

Somalia relies heavily on agriculture; nearly two-thirds of its population depends on it for their livelihoods. The country has faced extreme climate shocks before, including droughts and heavy rains leading to flooding.

The floodwaters have disrupted public transport and damaged key infrastructure in some areas. However, OCHA noted that the rains improved water and pasture availability in many regions. This supports ongoing agricultural activities and pastoralism while easing recent dry conditions.