Flooding in Somalia: Over 270,000 people displaced

06 Nov 2019

The end of October saw very heavy rains in Somalia and as a consequence, there has been intense flooding in many parts of the country, specifically in south and central Somalia. The worst affected region is Hiiraan, where Beledweyne district is flooded which has led to mass displacement, as well as the deaths of both people and livestock. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has sent a team to address the conditions. 

Gautam Chatterjee, MSF country representative in Somalia and Somaliland elaborates: 

"Around 270,000 people are displaced there, according to OCHA. People have left their homes and have gone to seek shelter in higher areas. The main Beledweyne hospital is not functional due to the floods and the town is still flooded.

We've sent a team to assess the conditions and seen that there are many needs. Primarily needed are drinking water, toilets and latrines, food, shelter and urgent medical attention. We're seeing medical conditions like diarrhea, vector-borne diseases, respiratory tract infections and we are concerned about the possibility of an increase of malnutrition among children.

MSF has started distributing tents, kits for cooking and providing safe drinking water, as well as constructing toilets and latrines. It is very important to quickly mobilize and bring resources on the ground so that people can be supported and helped. We also appeal to all parties to the conflict in Somalia to provide unhindered access to people in need."