Somalia’s Hirshabelle State on high alert as Shabelle River floods villages

In recent days, the Hirshabelle Regional State in Somalia, has been placed on high alert due to the escalating floods along the Shabelle River. The rising waters have engulfed several neighboring villages, causing significant concern among local authorities.

This event has led to the widespread destruction of crops in a substantial agricultural area, coinciding with the approaching harvest season for local farmers. Reports from regional state officials indicate that the Mahaday district is now almost entirely submerged, with a village on the district’s outskirts being particularly affected by the overflowing river waters.

In response to the crisis, authorities have issued warnings to residents in the vicinity, urging them to temporarily vacate their homes and move to safer locations to mitigate the risk of further natural disasters.

However, this incident marks the second occurrence of floods in the Middle Shabelle region this year. Earlier in May, a similar situation unfolded when the Shabelle River in central Somalia overflowed, compelling nearly a quarter of a million people to flee their homes.

The town of Beledweyne was submerged during that previous event, underscoring the recurrent challenges faced by the region due to these natural disasters.