In brief
- On 2013-12-02, Somaliland Sun published an op-ed by Yusuf M Hasan stating that sand has completely enveloped residential and commercial buildings in the ancient port of Hiis, eastern Sanaag.
- The op-ed attributes isolation, depopulation, and a fallow school to sand encroachment, and proposes turning Hiis into a naval garrison as the only remedy.
- The report does not establish what has happened at Hiis port since that date; no official response, construction, dredging, or investment is documented.
Somaliland Sun reported on 2 December 2013 that the ancient port of Hiis, in the eastern Sanaag region of Somaliland, faces isolation and "sand induced extinction". The report, an op-ed by Yusuf M Hasan, says the town is inhabited by only a couple of families and a contingent of Coast guards.
The op-ed says the port town is physically isolated and its depopulation is worsening because of a massive influx of sand. According to the op-ed, sand has so far completely enveloped residential and commercial buildings in Hiis. The same report says the local school, about a kilometre away, now lies fallow after teachers and students left the town for want of better conditions.
The op-ed describes Hiis as surrounded by large mountains of stone on one side and the Gulf of Aden on the other. The nearest supply centre is the sister port town of Mayd, about 35 km to the east. The nearest human settlement to the south is the trading centre of Gudmo Biyo As, about 40 km away.
The author proposes the only remedy is for the government to turn Hiis into a full naval garrison, preferably its eastern command base. The report does not present this as a government plan or decision.
The 2013 report does not establish what has happened at Hiis port since that date. No later evidence is provided on sand accumulation rates, habitation, infrastructure, or any dredging, rehabilitation, or investment. No official response from government, Coast guard, or local authority is documented, and it is unknown whether the naval garrison proposal was considered or implemented.
Frequently asked questions
What did the 2013 Somaliland Sun report say about sand at Hiis port?
The op-ed by Yusuf M Hasan claimed that a massive influx of sand had completely enveloped residential and commercial buildings, and that it was worsening the port's isolation and depopulation.
What solutions were proposed for Hiis port?
The author proposed the only remedy was for the government to turn Hiis into a full naval garrison, preferably its eastern command base. The report does not show any official response or implementation.
What has happened at Hiis port since the 2013 report?
The 2013 report does not establish any developments after its publication. No later evidence on sand accumulation, habitation, or infrastructure is provided.