Somalia: Floods Threaten Somali Food Security

Oct 31, 2014 | Joe DaCapua, Voice of America
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After a poor rainy season early this year, parts of southern Somalia now are being hit with severe floods. The rainy season that began in October has caused flooding along the Shebelle and Juba Rivers. The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization warns that’s making ongoing food insecurity even worse.

The U.N. estimates more than one-million people in Somalia are in urgent need of assistance – a 20-perent increase in the past six months. What’s more, it says another two-million people are facing threats to their food security.

Much of Somalia’s farming takes place along the Shabelle and Juba Rivers. Along the Shabelle, the town of Belet Weyne is the worst hit. Along the Juba, flooding is reported in Dollow, Jilib and Jamame.