At least seven people have been confirmed dead after eight hours of unrelenting rainfall triggered massive flooding across the Somali capital, Mogadishu, late Saturday night.
The torrential downpour destroyed nine homes and cut off six major roads, paralyzing transport and stranding numerous families in low-lying neighborhoods.
The Benadir Regional Administration swiftly deployed bulldozers and emergency teams in an attempt to access flooded areas and rescue trapped residents.
Eyewitnesses reported waist-deep water in several districts, with children and the elderly particularly affected by the rising waters.
“This is a disaster. My house collapsed as water poured in. I barely escaped with my children,” said Asha Ali, a mother of four from Waberi district.
The floods have reignited serious concerns about the city’s fragile urban planning and inadequate drainage systems.
Critics argue that despite recurring floods in recent years, authorities have failed to implement sustainable flood mitigation strategies.
“The city’s infrastructure is overwhelmed. We urgently need long-term investment in urban resilience,” said a local civil engineer who declined to be named.
As clean-up operations begin, humanitarian organizations have called for immediate relief for displaced families and a comprehensive review of Mogadishu’s emergency preparedness systems.
Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious as more rain is forecast in the coming days.