Flooding forces hundreds to flee homes in Beledweyne town

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Hundreds of families fled their homes in the central Somali town of Beledweyne on Thursday following five consecutive days of rainfall, which caused flooding.

The floods affected several villages, including Kutimbo and Radeerka, in the Koshin neighborhoods.

“We didn’t expect the rain to affect us, but we found water had entered our houses. We had to evacuate with the children, and the rainwater was strong. We sought refuge on higher ground, enduring the cold last night.

We can’t return to our houses yet as the roads and homes are still flooded,” said one of the affected families.

No casualties have been reported yet, as local officials and rescue teams are assisting the flood-affected people in the town.

Beledweyne, the capital of Hiiraan region, is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Mogadishu.