MOGADISHU, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations announced on Monday that its Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM) Unit is increasing its efforts to minimize damage, including mapping out areas prone to flooding in preparation for the anticipated El Nino rains.
The FAO stated that SWALIM has completed the analysis and mapping of river breakages along the Juba and Shabelle rivers using satellite imagery of very high resolution.
According to the FAO, the identified breakages in the map have been categorized into four types – open, overflow, canal flooding point, and closed with sandbags. “The upcoming El Nino season is expected to bring heavy rainfall to Somalia and the Ethiopian Highlands, greatly increasing the risk of flooding in the Juba and Shabelle rivers, particularly in the areas where open and potential points have been identified,” stated the FAO in its update.
El Nino is a climate pattern that occurs every two to seven years, while the Indian Ocean Dipole is a climate pattern that is linked to sea surface temperatures in the ocean.
The FAO has also identified several other points that are either potential or temporarily closed with sandbags. “It is therefore crucial to close the open points and strengthen areas with weak river embankments as a matter of urgency. Implementing agencies are advised to utilize the current dry period before the rains begin to implement temporary or long-term measures to address the river breakages,” the FAO recommended.
The UN agency stated that these measures will result in a decrease in riverine flooding during heavy rains and subsequently lead to significant economic losses reduction for the country. In August, the FAO cautioned that riverine communities in Somalia are the most vulnerable, with approximately 1.5 million hectares of land at risk of flooding. The FAO emphasized that taking proactive measures can avert the worst outcomes.
In addition to the considerable humanitarian risks, the FAO highlighted that the expected heavy rainfall can be utilized to enhance agricultural production and recover livelihoods.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
