Jowhar (RBC) Seasonal rains which started at the end of September continue across Somalia. The rains contributed to flooding, especially in and around Jowhar town in Middle Shabelle region, where flooding had already started in mid-August due to rains in the Ethiopian highlands, the source of the Shabelle River.
The flooding in Jowhar district and parts of neighbouring Balcad district was exacerbated by heavy downpours in October and early November. The flooding is estimated to have affected at least 42,000 people in 28 villages, according to the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU) managed by FAO.
About 6,600 people from Bulo Waso, Dhay, Lebiga and Xansholey have been temporarily displaced, whilst people in the remaining villages have not moved from their homes, but their agricultural land is under water.
In addition to the direct impact on people, FSNAU estimated that at least 8,000 hectares of land has been inundated in Jowhar and Balcad districts. This is about 15 per cent of riverine areas for both districts combined.
Aid organizations continued to support efforts to seal breakages in the river banks, including one in Jowhar town itself and the main breakage in Barrey, 11km north-east of the town. River banks have been reinforced at other locations to prevent flooding.
Traditionally, farmers open riverbanks ahead of the rains to irrigate their lands. Barrages are sometimes left open – both due to insecurity and advantages some groups might obtain from breakages at the expense of others. Efforts to close the river breakage distribute aid and chlorinate water sources were hampered by inter-clan fighting due to land dispute east of Jowhar on 9 November.
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