XARARDHEERE, Somalia — Heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds have struck Xarardheere in Somalia’s north-central Mudug region, prompting emergency evacuations of affected families, the Somali Ministry of Defense said.
The Somali National Army, coordinating with the district administration, is evacuating affected families to safe shelters, the ministry said in a statement. It did not immediately provide details on the number of families affected or the extent of the damage.
The operation underscores the growing pressure on local authorities and security forces to respond to climate-related emergencies alongside ongoing security responsibilities.
Residents in Xarardheere and surrounding areas were urged to remain cautious as heavy rains and strong winds continued to affect the region. Authorities said the evacuation effort was aimed at moving vulnerable families out of flood-prone areas to safer locations.
The ministry said the operation was being carried out in coordination with district officials, though further details on shelter capacity and humanitarian assistance were not immediately available.
Somalia is frequently hit by seasonal rains that cause flash flooding and displace communities, but the latest incident in Mudug highlights the compounding risks faced by families in north-central Somalia.
