Excessive rainfall has led to sever
flooding in the Somali region in East Africa.The UN stated that 67 people have been killed and estimate that over 200,000 have been affected. Over a thousand cattle have been killed,
which communities in this region would rely on for income as well as food. Initially Ethiopia was considered the worst hit, but the flooding could worsen in its neighbour Somalia. Difficult areas to access, Concern had existing projects in West Imi, Woreda district, Afder Zone, Somalia Region in Ethiopia and in the Lower Shabelle River area of Somalia (coastal region near
Mogadishu), and so has been able to respond quickly.Food, medical supplies and shelter items have been sent and distributed to help the displaced in West Imi. In Somalia, Concern
provided communities adjacent to canals and the Shabelle river with sandbags and items to help shore up the embankments to minimise the risk of flooding. However, if conditions worsen, further
intervention may be needed. Previously Concern was focusing on livelihoods projects in the Lower Shabelle River region, these entailed education, water and sanitation and improved
farming methods with locals from the area.Concern had recently begun a nutrition programme in West Imi in Ethiopia.Concern's teams in Ethiopia and Somalia are monitoring the
situation.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
