At least seven people have died after relentless overnight downpours triggered severe flooding in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, local officials confirmed on Saturday.
The torrential rains, which began Friday night and lasted nearly ten hours, dumped over 115 millimeters of water, paralyzing parts of the city. Flash floods toppled homes, trapped residents, cut off key roads, and displaced more than 200 families. Public transport was suspended, and major tarmac roads were rendered impassable.
“We spent the night on rooftops, shivering from the cold,” said Mohamed Hassan, a resident of one of the worst-hit neighborhoods. “Some elderly people are still trapped. I haven’t even had breakfast.” He cried.
At least nine homes were destroyed across multiple districts and six main roads sustained serious damage. “These roads are vital for movement and supply routes,” said Salah Omar Hassan, spokesperson for the Banadir regional administration. “Seven people died, including two women.”
Abdullahi Ali, a 35-year-old father, said his neighborhood was submerged and several houses collapsed around them. “I’ve never seen rain this heavy in Mogadishu,” he said. “Two children died in homes nearby.”
The flooding also briefly disrupted operations at Aden Abdulle International Airport, though flights later resumed. Rescue efforts were ongoing Saturday as the Somali Disaster Management Agency assessed the damage.
The Energy and Water Ministry warned of continued flood risks in other regions, citing Mogadishu’s overwhelmed drainage systems and rapid urban expansion as key vulnerabilities.
Somalia is no stranger to climate disasters. In 2023, El Nino-linked rains caused deadly floods that killed over 100 people and displaced more than a million. The current crisis shows little sign of easing. A U.N. report released on April 30 stated that over 45,000 people have been affected by flash floods nationwide since mid-April.
The Horn of Africa remains one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions, facing increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events.
