Somalia: Rapid Multi-Sector Needs Assessment of Riverine Flood-Affected Communities in Xawaadley, Balcad District - September 2024
This document assesses the needs of the population affected by Gu flooding in the Qoryooley District, Somalia.
Xawaadley, a densely populated village in the Balcad District of Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region (Hirshabelle State), is characterized by its fertile agricultural land and abundant water resources, yet it is highly susceptible to severe flooding. The recent Gu floods have blocked the main supply road from Balcad to Xawaadley following the breakage of the Maandheere River.
Historically, the Hawaadley water reservoir, part of the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Project, functioned as a flood mitigation system. During high-flood seasons, when the Shabelle River reached 5.5 meters at the Belet Weyne gauge, water was redirected through the Sabuuni barrage.
However, a lack of maintenance has rendered both the Sabuuni and Balcad barrage gates non-functional. On August 3, 2024, excessive inflows caused five river breakages, particularly at Hurwaay, Kulmis Weyne, Maagay, and Baardheere, leading to flooding that submerged settlements along the eastern bank of the Balcad district.
On September 16, 2024, OCHA Hirshabelle coordinated a Rapid Needs Assessment in collaboration with Jowhar ABC and 10 local partners, including SOS, KARDO AID, MCAN, EVSO, MARDO, ORDO, SOVA, SCC and SYPD.
Historically, the Hawaadley water reservoir, part of the Jowhar Off-Stream Storage Project, functioned as a flood mitigation system. During high-flood seasons, when the Shabelle River reached 5.5 meters at the Belet Weyne gauge, water was redirected through the Sabuuni barrage.
However, a lack of maintenance has rendered both the Sabuuni and Balcad barrage gates non-functional. On August 3, 2024, excessive inflows caused five river breakages, particularly at Hurwaay, Kulmis Weyne, Maagay, and Baardheere, leading to flooding that submerged settlements along the eastern bank of the Balcad district.
On September 16, 2024, OCHA Hirshabelle coordinated a Rapid Needs Assessment in collaboration with Jowhar ABC and 10 local partners, including SOS, KARDO AID, MCAN, EVSO, MARDO, ORDO, SOVA, SCC and SYPD.
- Somalia
- Factsheet
- September 2024