By Goth Mohamed Goth
Puntland authorities have reported that El Niño rains have triggered flooding in the city of Gaalkacyo, forcing the closure of key public facilities.
Regional news coverage
Puntland’s Minister of Relief and Disaster Management, Abdinasir Haji Yusuf, said the heavy downpours have left health centers, markets, schools, and roads in Gaalkacyo closed and submerged in floodwater.
He noted that the flooding has caused latrines, neighborhood drainage channels, and standing pools of water across the city to overflow, raising the risk of disease outbreaks.
The minister stated that Gaalkacyo is the district worst affected by the rains across Somalia and warned that the situation could deteriorate further.
He urged aid agencies operating in Puntland and throughout Somalia to deliver emergency assistance to Gaalkacyo without delay, prioritizing efforts to drain the standing water from the city.
