Somalia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across many parts of the country as of Nov. 6

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Somalia as of Nov. 6. Heavy rainfall since early October has resulted in several rivers overflowing and widespread flooding across the country. Authorities have reported at least 14 fatalities associated with the flooding and over 700,000 people have been affected and more than 113,000 displaced across affected areas. Jubaland and South West states are the worst affected, with over 500,000 people affected and more than 100,000 displaced across the two states. Around 2,400 people have been trapped in Luuq District in Jubaland State after the Juba River burst its banks. Power outages, flooded roads, and internet outages have been reported in flood-affected parts of the country. Authorities have declared a state of emergency in the worst affected areas.

Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely continue for some time as response and recovery operations continue. Further rainfall and thunderstorms are likely throughout the remainder of the Deyr rainy season through December, and heavy downpours associated with the storms could trigger additional flooding and hamper ongoing relief efforts.

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 located 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 the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible 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.