As per reports from the Somali Regional State Communication Office, heavy rains and the Shebelle River overflowing have caused serious floods in several districts of Ethiopia’s Somali region, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and causing significant property damage.
The Shebelle zone’s Qalaafo, Mustaxiil, and Feer-Feer districts were hit by the flooding, therefore the head of the Communication Bureau, Abdiqadir Rashid Duale, led a high-level team to visit the affected areas to evaluate the situation.
Alongside local officials, Abdiqadir declared that 2,827 households had to leave their houses due to the flooding. He said, “The heavy rains have also caused extensive damage to agricultural lands and infrastructure,” citing the damage done to six schools, healthcare facilities, and around 6,186 hectares of farmland.
The affected villages will get immediate humanitarian aid from the regional authorities, who will coordinate with aid agencies. In addition to aiding in the recovery process, efforts are being made to meet the displaced populations’ urgent needs.
VOA has also reported similar flooding in the Amhara region’s South Gondar Zone. Following severe rains, many have been affected, with over 15,000 people there seeking emergency help, according to residents and local officials. More than 12 villages in two areas were affected, experts revealed, causing damage to grazing grounds, schools, and worship buildings.
