CRIENGLISH
Monday, November 18, 2013
The Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Sunday
called on aid agencies and the international community to help Somalia
recover from torrential rains and cyclone floods induced disasters.
In a statement issued in Nairobi, IGAD Executive Secretary Engineer
Mahboub Maalim said the capacity of the Horn of Africa nation is limited
given the effects of the flood.
"I, therefore, on behalf of IGAD, appeal to the donor governments,
IGAD member states, humanitarian agencies, international and regional
organizations to respond positively and expeditiously to the appeal made
by the Government of Somalia," Maalim said.
Torrential rains combined with severe storms and flooding hit
northern Somalia's Puntland region causing enormous damage to the
population.
Flash floods inundated remote rural areas and coastal towns were severely impacted.
According to the Somali government and other reports, more than
50,000 people have been affected, over 300 persons have lost their
lives, thousands of families are rendered homeless and tens of thousands
of livestock have perished.
The Somali government has declared a state of emergency and appealed
to the international community for immediate response to mitigate the
effects of the flood disasters.
"Taking into account the seriousness and the magnitude of the effects
of the flood disaster, the international community is called upon to
respond as promptly possible," Maalim said.