The United Nations Humanitarian Cooperation Agency (OCHA) has issued the urgent appeal to humanitarian assistance to help more than 45,000 people affected by recent floods across Somalia.
Since April 15, moderate to heavy rain has caused widespread flooding in several parts of the country, killing at least four people, including two children.
The floods chased thousands of people from their homes and destroyed vast areas of farmland.
Ocha reported that Shabelle River ruptured the bank on Monday, expelling more than 6,000 people and sinking around 11,000 hectares of land.
The damage has significantly limited the ability of aid agencies, particularly non-governmental organizations, to meet growing humanitarian needs, as they face serious funding shortages.
Floods hit one of the country’s major rainy seasons, usually from April to June.
Rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands, where Somalia and the Shobel and Juba rivers begin, contributed to rising water levels and increased the risk of further flooding.
Ocha highlighted the urgent need for further assistance in dealing with the crisis and preventing further evacuation and loss of life.
