The Recurrence of Natural Disasters in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle Region, Somalia: The Causes and Impacts

Abstract

Natural disasters usually involve a phenomenon with consequences that exceed the response capabilities of local communities and have a significant impact on the region's socioeconomic development. Droughts, floods, and hurricanes are all natural disasters that jeopardize the environment and the lives of Somalis. Severe floods have devastated the south and central parts of the country multiple times, destroying infrastructure and homes and killing many vulnerable people. Droughts in the south and central parts of the country, particularly in the Middle Shebelle region, have killed a number of children and mothers. It also had a negative influence on crops and cattle. Objective of this study is to know the recurrence of Natural Disasters in Jowhar, Middle Shabelle region, Somalia: The Causes and Impacts. The Somali people are completely aware of natural disasters such as droughts and floods, and they are self-sufficient in dealing with the consequences of these disasters. Furthermore, the Somali government has not fully created environmental laws to protect and conserve the environment, and the majority of laws, rules, acts, and regulations are not used or administered effectively. We also found that the Somali government is not yet financially prepared to deal with these crises, and that there are no strategic plans in the central government or even state administrations to prevent or at least control these disasters from causing extreme harm to the community and the environment.

GIS-based flood risk assessment using multi-criteria decision analysis of Shebelle River Basin in southern Somalia

“…Parvez et al [16] urged that floods impact and needs assessment should prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, including children, elderly, disabled individuals, and low-income households, in order to ensure equitable and effective disaster response and recovery efforts in Somalia. But previous flood hazard assessment studies used an index-based approach based on only climatic parameters [55], digital elevation model (DEM)-derived geomorphological and hydrological characteristics [18], land use and urbanization information, economic activity, infrastructure, and demographic aspects [17]. However, assessing spatial flood risk is critical for providing early warning and disaster risk reduction.…”

“…The classification of slope in degree scaled as follows; very high class scaled 1 (26-88), high class scaled 2 (16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25), moderate class scaled 3 (11)(12)(13)(14)(15), low class scaled 4 (6-10) and very low class scaled 5 (0-5) (Fig. 3b).…”

“…Flooding in Somalia is a major problem due to its prevalence, severity, and adverse impact on both human life and the economy. The monsoon season brings high-intensity rainfall for a short period of time, causing an abrupt surge in runoff that exceeds the drainage system's absorptive capacity and leads to flooding Ahmed et al [17] Two types of flood occur in Somalia: Flash floods and fluvial floods [18]. Flooding occurs mainly during the Deyr (minor wet season) season and is largely affected by rainfall in the upper catchments of Ethiopia's Shebelle and Juba Rivers.…”

The Effect of Different Growing Media on the Growth of Lettuce

“…In Somalia, lettuce is typically grown in open fields (Mohamed, 2004). Unfortunately, there hasn't yet been any significant research on lettuce cultivation in soilless culture.…”