BAARDHEERE – The Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has delivered six tons of humanitarian aid to Baardheere, a district in the Gedo region heavily impacted by the Jubba River floods.

According to Somali National News Agency, the aid, including food, water, medicine, and other essentials, arrived by plane on Thursday, November 16, 2023, to assist those affected by recent droughts and floods.

Impact of the Floods in Baardheere

Baardheere has been among the districts most severely hit by the flooding of the Jubba River, which caused widespread land submersion and infrastructure damage. The floods have hampered relief efforts due to damaged roads and bridges. SoDMA previously deployed large boats for rescue operations and relocating trapped residents.

Wider Regional Crisis

The El-Niño weather phenomenon triggered the heavy rains in the Horn of Africa, leading to landslides and flash floods across Somalia. These natural disasters have compounded the ongoing challenges of droughts, conflicts, and insecurity, displacing thousands and devastating agriculture and livestock.

Role of SoDMA in Disaster Management

As the coordinating body for disaster response in Somalia, SoDMA collaborates with various government, UN, and humanitarian organizations. The agency’s activities include conducting assessments, issuing early warnings, and implementing risk reduction strategies to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of the Somali population.