Somalia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across many parts of the country as of early Nov. 22 /update 2

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Somalia as of early Nov. 22. Heavy rainfall since early October has resulted in several rivers overflowing and widespread flooding. Authorities have reported at least 50 fatalities nationwide, with the floods affecting over 1.7 million people and displacing almost 700,000 across 21 districts. Officials have warned that casualty and displacement numbers could rise over the coming days as floodwaters continue to cut off many areas.

The worst affected regions are in Galmudug, Jubaland, Puntland, and South West states. Flooding has destroyed more than 450 homes in southern Galkayo District in Galmudug. Thousands of people are trapped in Luuq District in Jubaland State after the Juba River burst its banks, while around 14,000 others are cut off around the town of Baardheere. Reports indicate flooded roads and power and internet outages in impacted regions. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the worst affected areas.

Disruptions in impacted areas will likely continue as response and recovery operations continue. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast; the severe weather could lead to additional flooding and will likely exacerbate the current situation and hamper emergency response and recovery operations. Further showers are also likely throughout the remainder of the Deyr rainy season through December.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.

Authorities could expand evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.