Somalia: At least 50 people killed by tropical cyclone in Somaliland /update 4

Event

Tropical Cyclone Sagar caused significant flooding and damages in the northern Puntland and Somaliland regions after making landfall on Saturday, May 19. According to Somaliland officials, as of Thursday, May 24, at least 50 people have been killed. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on May 24 that around 670,000 people in Somaliland were affected by the storm, with the Awdal and Woqooyi Galbeed regions being the worst-hit areas. Flooding has isolated many communities and some areas are only accessible by helicopter as of Thursday. The strong winds and flooding also caused severe damage to farms and livestock. According to government estimates, at least 80 percent of the livestock in the affected areas died and 700 farms were destroyed.

In the Puntland region, significant damages to homes, infrastructure, and livestock were also reported. The cyclone and its effects had left at least four people dead in Puntland as of May 24. OCHA reported that flash flooding in Bari region destroyed critical infrastructure at the Qardho camp for internally displaced persons (IDP) and farms in Iskushuban. The flooding has worsened the already critical humanitarian situation in the region and will likely exacerbate food insecurity for hundreds of thousands of people.

Context

According to OCHA, Tropical Cyclone Sagar dropped a whole year’s worth of rain – between 150-200 mm (6-8 in) – in some northern parts of the country. Rains from the Gu rainy season (which runs from March to May) caused significant flooding throughout Somalia in April, saturating the ground. Therefore, even a modest amount of rainfall is currently able to cause flash floods; heavy rainfall could have catastrophic effects.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities or their home governments. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded. Be aware that the risk of contracting water- and mosquito-borne diseases tends to rise after periods of heavy rains; take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites (e.g. use insect repellent, mosquito nets, etc.) and only consume purified water.