At least two people, a mother and her child, were killed after heavy rains battered the Somali capital, Mogadishu, overnight Friday, causing widespread flooding and severe damage to key roads, local officials said.
The victims died when their house collapsed in the Hamar Jajab district, according to the district commissioner. The rainfall, which lasted more than eight hours, submerged roads and washed away vehicles, including auto rickshaws, disrupting public transport and access to several neighborhoods.
Some of the worst-hit areas include recently constructed roads in Howlwadaag and Hodan districts, many of which were built by the Banadir regional administration. Authorities said these roads were severely damaged or rendered impassable.
The Banadir regional administration urged residents to avoid flooded areas and instructed district commissioners to assist those affected by the water, particularly families living in aging or poorly constructed homes.
Flash floods are a recurring problem in Mogadishu, where poor drainage and rapid urban growth have increased the vulnerability of residents, especially in low-lying areas.
At least seven people have died, and main roads were cut off after heavy rains led to flooding in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.
The regional administration spokesperson, Abdinasir Hirsi Idle, said on Saturday that rescue efforts were continuing.
"The death toll could rise because the rains were heavy and lasted for several hours, causing nine houses to collapse across different neighbourhoods, and at least six major roads to suffer severe damage," he said.
Somalia has in the past suffered extreme climate shocks, including prolonged dry seasons that have caused droughts and heavy rains resulting in floods.
Friday's rains went on for about eight hours, leaving waist-high waters in neighbourhoods where some residents were trapped and others were forced to move to higher ground.
Comment: Update May 11
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