United Nations (UN) has pledged to work with Somalia in support of victims of flash floods in central and southwest Somalia.
In a statement, UN envoy to Somalia, James Swan has expressed the world body’s willingness to support efforts to provide aid to those affected.
“The United Nations stands ready to work with Somalia’s federal and regional authorities to support affected communities,” Swan said in a statement on Thursday.
He voiced his concern over the flooding affecting thousands of people mainly in the southern parts of the country.
The envoy extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to all injured and affected by the flooding.
“I am saddened by the heavy toll that the floods are taking on the people of Somalia, and deeply concerned about the situation of people who have lost homes and livelihoods,” he noted.
The official commended the Somali government for its commitment to help the victims.
“I want to thank the Government of Somalia for demonstrating leadership by setting up an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate flood response with state authorities,” the UN envoy said.
Swan stated that the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and its humanitarian partners are working with the authorities to quickly deliver life-saving assistance to affected people.
“The World Food Programme is deploying a helicopter dedicated to supporting humanitarian response efforts in Belet Weyne and other affected locations. I’m grateful to the UN Support Office in Somalia for the temporary use of helicopters to assist in carrying out search-and-rescue operations despite pressing operational demands.”
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced, and casualties have been reported. Farmland, infrastructure, and roads have been destroyed, and livelihoods disrupted in some of the worst-hit areas.
Heavy seasonal rains triggered floods along the Juba and Shabelle rivers in Hirshabelle, Jubaland and southwest states.
