Somalia Flood Watch – Issued: 8 May 2018 – REPORT

During the week ending on 07 May 2018, the Juba and Shabelle basins in Somalia and in the Ethiopian highlands continued to receive moderate to heavy rains. The high rainfall amounts received over the last week were spread across many parts of the country, as indicated in the total Satellite Rainfall Estimates (RFE) in Map1, with the exception of Puntland where light rains were experienced. Lower Juba and Middle Juba regions experienced the highest amounts of rainfall during the week under review.

The rainfall forecast for the coming week (Map 2, valid until 14 May 2018) is calling for moderate to heavy rains in most places across the country as well as the Ethiopian highlands.

Following the enhanced rains observed river levels remained high along the two rivers. Belet Weyne in Hiraan region has been at bank full level for the last 14 days and is expected to remain the same for the next couple of days. Many stations along the Juba also reached their highest level in the recent history. Continued heavy rains and high river levels have led to flooding which currently exceeds a 50 year return period flood magnitude. Given the forecast and the current high river levels riverine flooding is likely to continue and get worse in the coming week. Flood waves from the upper parts of the two rivers in Ethiopia are expected to be transmitted to the two river in Somalis which are already at full capacity thus posing more risk.

This is according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

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