By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 19 October 2026 More than 20,000 households have been affected by heavy rains in Somalia’s Galmudug region over the past week, the region’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Abdirahman Mohamed Dirie Makaawi, said on Sunday.
Makaawi made the remarks at a joint news conference with Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle at the agency’s headquarters in Mogadishu.
The minister said the rains had particularly affected the districts of Abudwaq, Galkayo and Guriel, as well as parts of Dhusamareb. Floodwaters had damaged businesses, disrupted education and health services, and hindered movement, he said.
Some homes and mosques had collapsed, while displaced people and other vulnerable households had faced additional hardship, Makaawi said. He added that no livestock deaths had been reported at the time of the briefing, although the rains had caused other damage.
Abdulle said SoDMA was closely monitoring the situation in Galmudug and urged national and international humanitarian organisations to reach affected communities as quickly as possible.
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Weather forecasts indicated that heavier rainfall could occur between October 17 and 23, particularly in the Mudug and Galgaduud regions, he said, warning that further rain could increase damage.
Abdulle urged residents to stay away from flood-prone areas and places where water accumulates, limit unnecessary travel and take precautions to protect livestock from heavy rain and expected strong winds.
SoDMA said it was exchanging information on rainfall conditions with federal member state administrations and other organisations, and was planning support for areas affected by the rains.
Both officials appealed to Somalis at home and abroad, as well as humanitarian agencies, to help affected communities. They said some families urgently needed shelter, food and other assistance.