AssetID: 53233329
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Satellite Images Show Why Hundreds Of Thousands Flee As Somalian Town Beledweyne Hit By Historic Flooding
Caption: These images show the astonishing effects of heavy rainfall that triggered extensive flooding in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya during October and November 2023, causing widespread displacement and fatalities. Excessive rainfall in the highlands of Ethiopia and Somalia in late October and early November raised the levels of the Shebelle River until it filled on 11 November and flooded. Subsequent rain caused the river to spill out of its banks in central Somalia and submerge the surrounding area, including the town of Beledweyne (Belet Weyne). Flooding in the town forced an estimated 250,000 people (90 percent of the population) out of their homes. Beledweyne is shown flooded in the close-up image on 15 November 2023. For comparison, the image on the left shows the same area on September 12, 2023. The other two images show a wider view of the Shebelle on the same dates. The torrential rains followed the longest recorded drought between 2020 and 2023, leaving millions in the region food insecure. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that flooding since October 1 has resulted in over 100 deaths and displaced more than 700,000 people. The Horn of Africa typically experiences two rainy seasons: the "short rains" from October to December and the "long rains" from March to May. Rainfall during the October-December season has been significantly above average, with precipitation levels double to quadruple the norm in southern and western Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, according to the Famine Early Warning Systems Network. The Climate Hazards Center at the University of California, Santa Barbara, had previously warned of the potential for increased rainfall and flooding in the Horn of Africa during the October-December season. Forecasts indicated abnormal rainfall due to a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño conditions. The persistent heavy rain also led to the overflowing of the Juba River in western Somalia, impacting croplands and infrastructure. A bridge in Bardheere was swept away, disrupting access to the town. The Climate Hazards Center's early warning in July 2023 highlighted the likelihood of a wet season due to the positive Indian Ocea Diapole (IOD) and El Niño. These conditions, associated with flooding in East Africa, were observed, with the IOD resembling patterns from late 2019 that led to significant rains, flooding, and displacement. “I think our forecasting was a good example of concern ratcheting up over time,” said Chris Funk, director of the Climate Hazards Center. “In July we predicted that a strong El Niño and IOD threatened East Africa. In September our forecasts became more concerning. Then in October we noted a big increase in the strength of the IOD, associated with rapid cooling over the eastern Indian Ocean, and that led to the expectation of an extremely wet season.” While the recent rains have eased prolonged drought conditions, they also pose additional challenges, including heightened cholera outbreaks, crop and livestock diseases, and pests. The Climate Hazards Center is leveraging advances in climate modeling to predict droughts and heavy rains months in advance, aiming to improve risk management and agricultural practices in the region.
Keywords: somalia,flooding,satellite,nasa,africa,climate,climate change,feature,photo
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