MOGADISHU, Somalia — Heavy rains have triggered severe flooding that has displaced more than 21,000 people across several regions of Somalia, including Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, South West, and Banaadir.

The floods have destroyed homes and farmlands while increasing the risk of waterborne diseases, further exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The report, released today by OCHA, states that these conditions arose following intense rains that began in mid-April.

“Since 15 April, flash floods caused by heavy rains have affected thousands of people living in Somalia, particularly in South West, Jubbaland, Hirshabelle, and Banaadir regions,” OCHA said.

In Hirshabelle’s Jowhar district, which lies along the Shabelle River, flooding has forced approximately 6,000 people to leave their homes and damaged farmland in five surrounding villages.

In the Mudug region, recent rains and floods have impacted nearly 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in temporary settlements in Gaalkacyo.

Similarly, in Jubbaland’s Baardheere district, flooding has destroyed shelters in all 54 IDP camps, while in Buurdhuubo district, more than 3,700 families living in temporary camps have been affected.

OCHA highlighted that the floods have worsened the plight of communities already grappling with drought, conflict, and widespread food insecurity.

The agency further warned of a growing risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, fueled by the flooding and poor sanitation conditions.