- Introduction
The capital city of Somaliland, Hargeisa, faces seasonal flooding that occurs during the Gu and Deyr rainy seasons. The rising flood severity stems from fast urban development alongside insufficient infrastructure and environmental deterioration. The floods used to appear only occasionally, but now occur yearly as destructive events that endanger both the population and the city’s growth. The natural drainage system of Hargeisa consists of seasonal rivers called Toggas or Doox, which become overwhelmed by heavy rainfall and produce flash floods that affect densely populated neighborhoods.
The development of Hargeisa’s urban design proceeded without sufficient flood protection measures. The construction of buildings within natural water channels and floodplains blocks the storm water from flowing naturally. The most vulnerable areas of informal settlements in low-lying regions experience the worst impacts because they do not have basic protective infrastructure. The absence of drainage systems causes even normal rainfall to result in extensive waterlogging, which blocks roads and disrupts vital services, including transportation, electricity, and medical care.
The occurrence of flooding creates severe threats to human survival. The annual flooding puts children and elderly residents at risk of death from drowning and structural collapses while spreading cholera and diarrhea diseases. The combination of insufficient sanitation practices and sewage system overflows during floods creates additional public health crises. The flood periods push hospitals beyond their capacity and make it harder for families to obtain clean water and food.
The economic consequences of flooding create substantial damage throughout Hargeisa. The floodwaters destroy small businesses and informal markets, and livestock shelters, which leads to financial losses and destroyed assets for numerous families. Government resources are diverted from long-term development because repeated damage occurs to roads, bridges, and public infrastructure. Investment in critical sectors such as construction and tourism, and transport remains limited because investors view these areas as high-risk and unstable.
The education system experiences severe consequences during flood periods. Schools based in flood-risk zones must temporarily shut down operations, which results in the disruption of thousands of students’ education. The destruction of learning materials, together with physical barriers to educational access, creates challenges for students and teachers at educational institutions. The continuous disruptions in education lead to reduced academic results and increased social disparities among students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Seasonal floods in Hargeisa represent more than environmental occurrences because they create socio-economic crises that need immediate coordinated responses across multiple sectors. The ongoing flood events will continue to destroy livelihoods and disrupt development and threaten lives unless substantial investments are made for infrastructure development and urban planning, and public awareness campaigns. The solution of this challenge remains essential for safeguarding present populations and creating a resilient and prosperous future for Somaliland’s capital.
- The Impact of Hargeisa’s Togas or Wadi during the Rainy Season
During the rainy season, Hargeisa’s seasonal togas or Maroodi jeex Wadi in particular have a big impact on the city’s landscape and urban problems. These natural waterways turn into hazardous flash flood zones, leading to numerous environmental, infrastructure, and socioeconomic issues.
The most direct effects are urban disruption and flooding. Flash floods engulf the city, especially low-lying areas and informal settlements close to Togas, or Wadi as a result of heavy and brief rainfall. Homes are flooded, roads become impassable, and urban mobility is disrupted. This causes disruptions to emergency response systems and daily life, rendering some areas of the city inoperable for days at a time.
There is significant infrastructure damage. Roads, bridges, and culverts are eroded by floodwaters, particularly those that are unpaved or inadequately maintained. Unofficial pedestrian crossings are frequently removed by erosion and inadequate storm water drainage systems malfunction due to obstructions or inadequate design. As a result, infrastructure must be repeatedly and expensively repaired following each rainy season.
There are significant economic effects, as goods and services are delayed due to disrupted transportation routes. Flood damage frequently affects local businesses close to the togas, lowering revenue and raising operating expenses. Long-term economic development and infrastructure planning are hampered by the frequent diversion of public funds toward emergency repairs.
Risks to public health and safety increase dramatically during floods. Rapidly flowing water poses a drowning hazard to pedestrians and children. Additionally, cholera, typhoid, and malaria are spread by floodwaters that mix with waste and sewage. During these seasonal events, vulnerable populations suffer the most, and health services are under stress.
The extensive flow of sediment and waste through the Togas is one of the environmental effects. Flash floods clog natural channels and pollute the environment by carrying trash and plastic downstream. Along riverbanks, soil erosion causes siltation and land degradation, changing hydrological patterns and endangering water and agricultural resources.
The protection of Hargeisa from seasonal floods needs infrastructure development alongside urban planning and environmental management, and community awareness programs. The following multi-pronged approach represents the best method to minimize flood risks when it rains:
- Improve and Expand Drainage Infrastructure.
The drainage systems in Hargeisa’s flood-prone areas lack proper infrastructure because they either have inadequate design or no drainage infrastructure at all. To mitigate this, the city must invest in constructing a modern stormwater drainage system, including covered concrete channels, box culverts, and roadside drains. These systems should be engineered based on topographic and hydrological data to ensure they can handle heavy rainfall volumes efficiently.
Regular maintenance is as important as construction. Drains and canals must be regularly cleaned to remove garbage, silt, and debris. Which are the primary causes of blockages in Hargeisa Local Municipality that should be addressed through a scheduled cleaning program, especially before and during the rainy season, to keep drainage networks functional and reduce flood risk significantly?
In addition to surface drains, upstream interventions like check dams and retention basins should be installed. These structures help manage stormwater at the source by slowing down the flow of rainwater, allowing for groundwater recharge, and reducing peak discharge that overwhelms downstream urban areas.
- Implement Building and Urban Planning Regulations
Hargeisa’s vulnerability to flooding is significantly increased by unchecked urban sprawl and construction in natural flood paths. Strictly limiting development in floodplains and waterways is essential. Law enforcement must stop illegal settlements in high-risk areas, and urban plans should be updated to reflect the most recent flood risk maps.
Flood-resilient infrastructure must be required by contemporary building codes. Proper elevation, drainage, and flood-proofing features should be incorporated into the construction of roads, bridges, markets, and particularly low-income housing. Construction projects must be reviewed and approved by regulatory bodies based on their compliance with flood mitigation guidelines.
Excess water can be absorbed by incorporating green infrastructure along seasonal streams (toggas), such as parks, buffer zones, and vegetated floodways. These open areas should be maintained because they serve as natural flood barriers and should be preserved and expanded through effective land use planning.
- Rehabilitate Natural Waterways (Toggas)
Many of the seasonal rivers (Toggas) in and around Hargeisa have eroded or become clogged as a result of neglect, despite the fact that they are essential for directing rainfall. These waterways can regain their natural capacity and stop water from overflowing into nearby communities by desilting them. To clean and reroute these Toggas, a massive effort is required.
Another top priority is erosion control. Building stone linings and retaining walls in high-risk areas can protect the riverbanks and prevent further land degradation. Additionally, by directing water flow, these structures lessen the possibility of haphazard overflow during storms.
Additionally, implementing gabions and check dams in upland catchments helps to reduce the speed of runoff and improve water infiltration. These inexpensive, practical fixes can stop flash floods from entering the city with destructive force.
- Strengthen Waste Management Stronger
The careless disposal of waste into Toggas and drainage channels is one of the main reasons for urban flooding in Hargeisa. To avoid obstructing water flow, a strong prohibition on unlawful dumping is necessary, as is community awareness and enforcement.
Urban flood risks can be considerably decreased by setting up regular waste collection, providing community bins, and launching cleanup efforts, particularly before the rainy season. Authorities must also punish companies and people who dispose of waste carelessly.
The quantity of solid waste produced can be decreased by encouraging recycling, composting, and other environmentally friendly waste management techniques. Schools, mosques, and local media can be key partners in spreading awareness and changing behavior regarding waste disposal.
- Encourage Emergency Preparedness and Community Awareness
Involving the community is crucial to any flood prevention plan. Residents should be made aware of flood hazards, warning indicators, and the significance of maintaining clean drains through public education campaigns. Local councils and schools can be very helpful in spreading this information.
Community-based early warning systems are critical. To promptly notify residents in high-risk areas, these can include sirens, radio announcements, SMS alerts, and collaboration with local authorities. A flood alert protocol should be established and tested regularly.
Training local youth and volunteers in emergency response, evacuation drills, and first aid can save lives during flood events. Increasing local resilience through awareness and readiness guarantees a quicker, better-coordinated response in the event of flooding.
- Map flood Areas using GIS and remote sensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and satellite imagery are examples of contemporary tools that offer useful information on areas that are vulnerable to flooding. Authorities can precisely map high-risk areas by examining past flood trends and topographical features.
Making educated decisions requires knowledge of this information. It aids in setting priorities for flood mitigation projects, such as determining where new drainage should be installed or where new construction should be prohibited. In times of crisis, it also helps with resource allocation and disaster preparedness.
GIS data should be used by engineers and urban planners to direct Hargeisa’s growth and stop new communities from being built in flood-prone areas. Continuous risk reduction is ensured by routinely updating flood maps in light of new information.
7. Develop a Flood Risk Management Policy
A clear and binding flood risk management policy is necessary for Hargeisa’s long-term resilience. The Ministry of Public Works, the Hargeisa Municipality, and other pertinent parties should collaborate in the development of this policy. Both immediate emergency response and long-term flood mitigation infrastructure need to be covered.
One of the biggest obstacles is funding. The government should aggressively look for donor support and international collaborations to finance environmental restoration, training initiatives, and infrastructure development. Sharing resources and expertise can also be facilitated by regional collaboration with other cities dealing with comparable issues.
Building institutional capacity is crucial. To effectively manage flood risks, disaster response organizations, engineers, and urban planners need to be prepared. A monitoring framework should be part of the policy to assess progress and modify tactics as needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, resolving Hargeisa’s seasonal flood problem is a pressing and complex issue that calls for both short-term solutions and long-term dedication. Without effective measures, Hargeisa’s vulnerability to flooding will only increase as the city’s population and economic activity continue to grow. To lessen the effects of floods, a comprehensive plan that incorporates environmental management, community awareness, urban planning, and infrastructure development is essential. The city can greatly lower its exposure to flood risks by enhancing drainage systems, enforcing urban planning laws, restoring natural waterways, and encouraging waste management.
Involving the community is also crucial for flood response and prevention. The city’s resilience can be increased by establishing early warning systems, educating citizens about flood risks and preparedness, and providing training to local volunteers. To help planners decide where to build and which areas to avoid, flood-prone areas need to be meticulously mapped using cutting-edge technologies like GIS and remote sensing. Hargeisa can make sure that its future growth doesn’t make the flood problem worse by integrating such data into the city’s growth strategy.
Hargeisa needs to implement a strong framework for managing flood risks that combines long-term infrastructure investments with emergency response procedures. Environmental sustainability, social well-being, and public health should be given top priority in this policy. Governmental organizations, donors, and specialists must work together to assemble resources and money for this important project. With a properly organized and funded flood By implementing a resilient management strategy, Hargeisa can guarantee that future generations can prosper without having to worry about seasonal floods all the time.
Hargeisa’s seasonal flooding problem is not insurmountable. Hargeisa can safeguard its infrastructure, economy, and people from the destructive effects of seasonal floods by implementing a proactive, coordinated approach to flood management. Hargeisa has the potential to reduce flood risks and build a more secure, sustainable urban environment with coordinated efforts from the public, private, and civil society sectors. In addition to preserving the present, defending Hargeisa from seasonal floods will set the stage for Somaliland as a whole to have a prosperous future.
Eng. Mouktar Yusuf Ali is a Somaliland–based Infrastructure Analyst specializing in the Horn of Africa, with a particular Focus on Somaliland’s infrastructure. With over a decade of experience in leading and developing infrastructure projects, he is also a dedicated researcher and senior lecturer. Eng. Mouktar Yusuf holds an MSc in PPM and Construction Management.
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