NAIROBI: More than 20 people were killed and over 12,000 families have been forced out of their homes in Ethiopia’s Somali region due to devastating flash floods triggered by torrential rains, according to a statement by the Somali Regional State Communication Bureau on Saturday.
The heavy downpour has resulted in the destruction of bridges and roads, making it challenging to reach affected households. Livestock, crops, and properties have suffered extensive damage, compounding the crisis.
“More than 20 people have died in the flood so far… more than 12,000 families have been displaced,” the statement revealed. “Rising rainfall and forecasts show that the risk of flooding remains high.”
The United Nations’ humanitarian agency, OCHA, had previously warned of heavier than normal rains in eastern Africa from October to December due to the El Nino phenomenon. The ongoing monsoon in Somalia has led to flooding affecting at least 405,652 people, causing 14 deaths. Additionally, approximately 47,100 people have relocated to higher grounds to escape the risk of flooding, hampering access to markets and farmland in certain areas.
Climate Change Effects on Ethiopia
The Horn of Africa remains highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing an increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The region, including Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, has been grappling with the worst drought in 40 years since late 2020, exacerbating the challenges faced by local communities.
In 2019, East Africa experienced severe rainfall, leading to the displacement of tens of thousands and causing significant damage to livestock and infrastructure across several countries in the region.
