BELEDWEYNE — The Shabelle River has risen above the high flood-risk threshold in Jowhar and is approaching bankfull levels, prompting concerns about possible flooding in parts of Somalia’s Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions.
According to a flood advisory issued on Monday by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ Somalia Water and Land Information Management unit (FAO-WALIM), in cooperation with the Somali Disaster Management Agency, the river level in Jowhar reached 5.37 metres.
The advisory indicated that the water level had risen by nearly one metre in just two days, highlighting the potential for further increases and the risk of flooding in vulnerable riverine communities.
Flood Risk Raises Concerns for Riverine Communities
The rising water levels have raised concerns among communities living near the Shabelle River, particularly in low-lying areas that are vulnerable to seasonal flooding.
If the river continues to rise and reaches or exceeds the capacity of its banks, water could spill into surrounding farmland, settlements and other flood-prone areas. Such flooding could threaten homes, damage crops, disrupt local transport and affect access to essential services.
The regions of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle include communities that depend heavily on agriculture and livestock, making flood preparedness particularly important for protecting livelihoods and food security.
Authorities Urged to Monitor River Levels
The advisory highlights the importance of closely monitoring the Shabelle River and ensuring that communities in high-risk areas receive timely information about changing conditions.
Local authorities, humanitarian organisations and disaster management agencies may need to strengthen preparedness measures, communicate potential risks to residents and identify vulnerable communities that could require assistance if flooding occurs.
Residents living close to the river are encouraged to follow official warnings, remain alert to changes in water levels and take precautionary measures where necessary.
Situation Requires Continued Monitoring
The reported level of 5.37 metres at Jowhar underscores the need for continued monitoring as the river approaches bankfull conditions.
However, the extent and timing of any potential flooding will depend on further changes in river levels and local conditions. The advisory raises concerns about the risk but does not, by itself, confirm that flooding has occurred.
Authorities and humanitarian partners are expected to continue tracking the situation and sharing updates as more information becomes available.
