Shabelle River breaches 366 points amid Somalia flood warnings

The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) has issued an emergency alert as the Shabelle River has breached its banks at 366 critical locations. The agency warned that heavy rains and Super El Nino conditions are expected to increase the risk of flooding during the Deyr rainy season.

SODMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle noted that years of neglect, including a lack of consistent dredging and sediment removal for nearly 40 years, have exacerbated the danger. Insecurity also hampers prevention efforts, as sections of the river pass through areas influenced by al-Shabab, making maintenance difficult.

The greatest risks are concentrated along the Jubba and Shabelle river basins. Meteorologists warn that exceptionally heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods and river overflows, potentially displacing millions, destroying infrastructure, and increasing the threat of waterborne diseases in low-lying and riverine communities.