In brief
- On 24 November 2015, Goobjoog News reported that the United Nations relief wing warned that floods in South Central Somalia had damaged supply routes and vital infrastructure.
- The floods, caused by heavy rainfall, interrupted humanitarian aid delivery, escalated local commodity prices, and caused a spike in water-borne diseases, according to OCHA.
- About 60,000 people were displaced, with Middle Shabelle accounting for more than 11,000 displaced persons, but no information on repair costs or timelines was provided.
On 24 November 2015, Goobjoog News reported that recent floods in South Central Somalia had damaged supply routes and vital infrastructure, according to the United Nations relief wing. The report, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), warned that the floods, caused by heavy rainfall, had interrupted humanitarian aid delivery, escalated local commodity prices and caused an epidemic in water-borne diseases.
The same report noted that even as the rains had slowed, the risk of flooding remained high. OCHA reported that about 60,000 people had been internally displaced in South Central Somalia due to floods since the beginning of the rainy season, with Middle Shabelle accounting for the highest number, more than 11,000 people, mostly in Jowhar, Mahaday and Balcad districts.
OCHA said that water-borne diseases such as Acute Watery Diarrhoea and cholera had spiked in more than two-thirds of the South Central regions as a result of the rains and flash floods. It added that chlorine, hygiene kits and essential drugs were either already distributed or being delivered to the outbreak-affected communities. Some water wells in affected locations would also be chlorinated for disinfection, according to OCHA.
Emergency relief and food, including high energy biscuits and cooked meals, were being delivered to those displaced in South Central Somalia, OCHA reported. The report did not provide details on the total cost of repairing the damaged supply routes and vital infrastructure, nor did it identify any contractors or implementing agencies for repair work. No timeline was given for the repair of lifeline infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Which specific roads, bridges, and infrastructure assets have been damaged?
The report does not specify which roads, bridges or infrastructure assets were damaged. It states that supply routes and vital infrastructure were damaged, but no details are given.
What is the estimated cost of damage and reconstruction?
The report does not provide an estimated cost of damage or reconstruction. No funding sources for repairs were mentioned.
How are humanitarian and commercial logistics affected?
According to OCHA, the floods interrupted humanitarian aid delivery and escalated local commodity prices. The report does not separate the impact on commercial logistics.