At least 11 people died and 2,686 families were displaced after a flash flood hit Mogadishu following extreme overnight rainfall.
The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) said the downpour lasted between two and ten hours, dropping up to 120mm of rain.
“This is the worst flood in Mogadishu’s history,” SoDMA said. “Our infrastructure could not handle this magnitude.”
In Wadajir, residents were unprepared. “The water came fast,” said Halima Nur, a local resident. “We lost everything, even the children’s clothes.”
SoDMA reported 94 homes destroyed, six roads washed away, and sanitation systems in displacement camps severely damaged or completely unusable.
“The devastation is shocking,” said Ahmed Moallim, a local volunteer. “Entire streets vanished. People are stranded.”
“There was chaos everywhere,” said Yusuf Hassan from Hodan. “Water rose fast. We waited hours on our roof, fearing for our lives.”
The disaster struck during the Gu’ rainy season. Typically, 89mm falls in May—this storm exceeded that in just a few hours.
“Our drainage systems are inadequate,” warned SoDMA. “As climate change worsens, Mogadishu will likely see more deadly, unpredictable flooding events like this.”
“Thousands are now vulnerable,” said local NGOs in a joint statement. “We urgently need international help for shelter, health, and basic survival.”
Many believe the damage could have been prevented if Mogadishu had a functioning drainage system.
The floods also triggered severe traffic gridlocks across the capital.
“We haven’t slept since the flood hit our home,” said Halima Hussein. “Everything we own is now under dirty water.”
Dozens of families fled their homes in Bulo Hubey, Wadajir district, due to flooding.
Mogadishu suffers repeated flooding every year with no lasting government response. Citizens continue to question where their taxes are going.
