Heavy rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands has triggered a catastrophic situation in Somalia with the Shabelle River overflowing downstream, causing severe flooding in Beledweyne.

The United Nations reports that thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, with markets and hospitals submerged. The situation compounds the challenges faced by the region, which has been grappling with a prolonged drought and critical levels of acute malnutrition.

Just four days prior to the deluge, the Somali Water and Land Information Management issued a warning about the high risk of flooding along the Shabelle River in Beledweyne. The river levels were already 70cm above the high flood risk level, prompting residents to take precautionary measures.

However, the intensity of the rainfall surpassed expectations, leading to the inundation of the town.

The floodwaters not only displaced communities but also submerged vast areas of farmland. This comes as a devastating blow to farmers already grappling with Somalia's worst drought in decades. The combined effects of drought and flooding have dealt a severe blow to the agricultural sector, exacerbating food insecurity and further straining livelihoods.

In response to the crisis, the Somalia National Armed Forces have been conducting evacuations, rescuing those affected by the floods.

According to the Famine and Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), Ethiopia and Somalia have experienced five consecutive failed rainy seasons since late 2020.

This prolonged drought has resulted in the displacement of 1.4 million Somalis and the loss of 3.8 million livestock. The Shabelle-Juba river basins, in particular, have witnessed their lowest rainfall totals since 1981, exacerbating the vulnerability of the region.