Floods caused by the annual rains have left "a trail of destruction" across Somalia, a United Nations spokesman said, citing inundated homes and farmland as well as the shutdown of health facilities. At least five people, including three children, have been killed in the flooding, Mohamed Moalim of the Somalia National Disaster Management Agency told The Associated Press. Thousands of families have been displaced in Beledweyne, the regional city with the highest population density. Rising water levels in Beledweyne forced the closure of many important facilities, including government offices and the main hospital, residents said. SOMALIA DROUGHT 'EXTREMELY CRITICAL' BUT NO FAMINE PROJECTED"It was very difficult for me to walk this morning because of the amount of water," said Beledweyne resident Abdifitah Ahmed.

Source: Ethiopian News May 16, 2023 14:12 UTC