Following a devastating flood in the town of Beledweyne, central Somalia, nearly 250,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes.
The overflow of the Shabelle river resulted in the town and surrounding areas being submerged, rendering approximately 99% of the population homeless, as reported by Abdirahmaan Dahir Gure, the Interior Minister of Hirshabelle State, in an interview with BBC Somali.
There are concerns that the floodwaters may also affect Bulo Burde town, located approximately 110 km (68 miles) away, prompting warnings from the United Nations (UN).
Floodwaters in central Somalia left thousands of families displaced in Beledweyne, the most densely populated city in the region.
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Rising water levels forced a number of important facilities to close including government offices and the main hospital. pic.twitter.com/y2lcOtg5ka
Climate change is believed to have significantly contributed to this disaster. Heavy rainfall in Somalia and the Ethiopian highlands upstream triggered flash floods, causing extensive damage to homes, crops, and livestock, according to Somali government officials.
Somalia has been gradually recovering from one of the worst droughts in decades, which resulted in nearly five consecutive failed rainy seasons and a near-catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
While the recent rainfall is helping to replenish water sources and promote vegetation growth, sustained and substantial rainfall will be required to mitigate the impact of the previous drought, as stated by the UN.
However this increases the risk of flooding.