A delegation led by the President of Hirshabelle regional state arrived in Beledweyne on Wednesday to inspect the areas affected by flooding.
The Shabelle River had broken its banks on Tuesday night, causing significant damage and displacement.
President Ali Hussein Guudlaawe, along with regional parliament lawmakers, ministers, and the governor of the Hiiraan region, visited the Nurhawad bridge and some parts of the town’s villages where displacement was taking place due to the river flooding in different parts of Beledweyne town over the last few hours.
The President also visited the Eljale area on the outskirts of the town, where people who fled from the town were currently living. This area is on high ground, and residents usually go there when the river floods the town.
During his visit, President Guudlaawe pointed out that Beledweyne is facing the worst humanitarian situation, as most of the city’s population has been displaced, and some people are isolated in the suburbs. He called on the Federal Government, Somali people, and international organizations to immediately aid the people of Beledweyne.
The floods affected the Koshin, Howlwadaag, and Bundaweyn villages, which were also affected by floods in 2019. No casualties have been reported.
Despite building 64 dams in the town to prevent flooding, the town has experienced submergence several times in recent years, proving ineffective in the current flooding crisis.
