Ecofeminism and Climate Change (EFCC) 4(1) (2023) 51-55

Ecofeminism and Climate Change

(EFCC)
ISSN: 2633-4062 (Print) DOI: http://doi.org/10.26480/efcc.01.2023.51.55
ISSN: 2633-4070 (Online)
CODEN: ECCCB9

RESEARCH ARTICLE

CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF FLASH FLOODS ON LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS IN

HIRSHABELLE STATE OF SOMALIA
Mohamed Muhudin Ali

Junior Environmental Researcher at City University Research Institute of Mogadishu Somalia.

*Corresponding author email: [email protected].

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

ARTICLE DETAILS ABSTRACT

Article History: Flooding is a natural hazard that encompasses various types, among which flash floods are the most perilous
due to their destructive power and rapid onset. This study investigates the causes and impacts of flash floods
Received 21 August 2023 on lives and livelihoods in Hirshabelle state, Somalia, aiming to identify the causes, assess the effects, and
Revised 24 September 2023
Accepted 27 October 2023
develop mitigation strategies. The research employed a survey research design, collecting data from farmers,
Available online 05 December 2023 experts, teachers, community members, and international organizations through questionnaires and
interviews. The majority of respondents were highly educated males aged between 20-30, primarily residing
in urban areas. The causes of flash floods were attributed to both natural and manmade factors, with adverse
environmental conditions and losses in agriculture and livestock reported by respondents. Aid was received
from the Somalia government, international organizations, and the community. The study emphasizes the
negative consequences on the environment, sheltering, agriculture, livestock, health, and transportation
during flash floods. It underscores the role of external support systems, particularly the community, in
providing aid. Natural factors such as heavy rainfall, deforestation, and poor drainage systems, as well as
manmade factors including overgrazing, urbanization, and climate change, were identified as contributors to
flash floods. The impacts on lives and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups, were significant.
Recommendations to mitigate these issues include reforestation, improved drainage systems, sustainable
urbanization, climate change adaptation, and effective early warning systems to enhance resilience in
Hirshabelle state.
KEYWORDS
Flash floods, Lives and livelihoods, Environment, Climate change, Hirshabelle.

1. INTRODUCTION (WMO, 2008). The devastating nature of flash floods may be largely
attributed to the characteristics of flash floods. Even, events occurring on
According to NSSL (National Severe Storms Laboratory) describes small spatial scales with short time scales under conditions with rapid
Flooding is an overflowing of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods production of surface runoff, for example, intense precipitation or
can happen during heavy rains, when ocean waves come on shore, when precipitation over highly saturated soils in mountainous terrain are also
snow melts quickly, or when dams or levees break. Damaging flooding may referred as flash floods (Georgakakos and Hudlow, 1984).
happen with only a few inches of water, or it may cover a house to the
rooftop. Floods can occur within minutes or over a long period, and may The impact of successive storms, cyclones and heavy rains has been severe
last days, weeks, or longer. Floods are the most common and widespread in 2019, and in the wake of heavy flooding, WHO is upping disease
of all weather-related natural disasters. Flash floods are the most surveillance actions and providing critical supplies to hard-hit populations
dangerous kind of floods, because they combine the destructive power of across Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Well over a million
a flood with incredible speed. Flash floods occur when heavy rainfall people have been affected in some of the worst-hit countries of Benin,
exceeds the ability of the ground to absorb it. They also occur when water Cameroon, Central African Republic, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen
fills normally dry creeks or streams or enough water accumulates for (WHO, 2019) Flood-hit populations face increased risk of illness or death
streams to overtop their banks, causing rapid rises of water in a short from water-borne diseases and other diseases that spread easily in
amount of time. They can happen within minutes of the causative rainfall, overcrowded, temporary shelters. Together with governments, other UN
limiting the time available to warn and protect the public (N/A, Severe agencies and partners, WHO works to reduce the risk of outbreaks of
Weather 101-Floods, N/A). cholera, typhoid and other infectious diseases. Almost 1 million people
have been affected in South Sudan, where 60% of flood-hit areas already
Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and faced extreme levels of malnutrition. Since the latest rains began in July,
bridges, and scour out new channels. Rapidly rising water can reach 42 nutrition centers have been forced to suspend their services. To aid the
heights of 30 feet or more. Moreover, flash flood-producing rains can also government’s emergency response, WHO is sending experts and airlifting
trigger terrible mud slides. People often not always have a warning that medical supplies to hard-hit areas. In Somalia and Somaliland floods have
these deadly sudden floods are coming therefore most flood deaths are led to the displacement of over 300 000 people since September (N/A,
due to flash floods (Indiana Department of Natural Resources, 1999). On Severe Weather 101-Floods, N/A).
the average, flash flood events kill more people worldwide than any other
natural disaster – in an average year, flash floods kill over 5,000 The Deyr rainy season has brought moderate to heavy rainfall to Somalia,
unsuspecting people and cause millions of dollars of property damage causing both flash floods and river overflow in the southern regions of the
Quick Response Code Access this article online

Website: DOI:
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Cite The Article: Mohamed Muhudin Ali, Gulshan Ara Latifa, Mahmuda Parvin (2023). Causes And Impacts of Flash
Floods on Live and Livelihoods in Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4(1): 51-55.
 Ecofeminism and Climate Change (EFCC) 4(1) (2023) 51-55

country. Areas in Gedo and Hiraan regions have received from 100 to 220 flash floods in the region. The study aims to provide valuable insights and
millimetres of rain in October. Localised rainfall coupled with heavy rains recommendations for addressing the challenges posed by flash floods in
in the Ethiopian highlands have led to increasing water levels in the Hirshabelle state in order to protect and improve the well-being of the
Shabelle and Juba rivers in southern Somalia, raising the risk of local population.
widespread flooding in low-lying riverine communities. International
organisations are coordinating with local authorities. 273,000 people have 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT OF THE STUDY
been displaced so far. Emergency shelters and latrines are of particular
concern, especially for the nearly 285,000 IDPs residing in Hiraan and Floods are one of the most common natural hazards, causing significant
Gedo regions (Constraints, 2019). damage, loss of life, and other negative impacts globally. They can be
categorized based on speed, geography, or cause of flooding. Some
The Deyr 2019 season began in September in many areas of southern common types of floods include flash floods, coastal floods, urban floods,
Somalia, and rains have been ongoing for 3 weeks. As of 23 October, most river (fluvial) floods, and ponding (pluvial) floods. Flash floods, in
areas in Hiran region had received between 100-175 millimeters of rain, particular, are characterized by their rapid onset and high intensity,
areas of Gedo region received as much as 220 millimeters (Constraints, posing a significant threat to lives and livelihoods.
2019). On 26 October, due to heavy rainfall in Somalia as well as the
Ethiopian highlands which feed into the Juba and Shebelle rivers, both In the case of Somalia, specifically Hirshabelle state, flash floods have
rivers overflowed their banks. Widespread River flooding is occurring, become a recurring problem, exacerbated by the civil war that has
especially in low-lying areas of Hiraan, Gedo, and Juba regions persisted since the collapse of Mohamed Siyad Bare's government in 1991.
(Constraints, 2019). Crops have been damaged, households displaced, and During the GU and DEYR seasons, flash floods predominantly occur in the
roads have been cut off across the region. The worst affected areas of Hiran absence of functional reservoirs or dams that used to provide some level
region are towns located along the overflowing Shebelle, including Belet of flood control during Siyad Bare's era (1967-1991). As a result, flash
Weyne, Kooshin, and Xaawo Taako. More than 85% of Belet Weyne town floods have become an increasing yearly problem, particularly in river
has been inundated, forcing at least 182,000 people to evacuate to higher zones.
ground (Constraints, 2019).
The causes of flash floods in Hirshabelle state can be attributed to several
The 2020 Gu’ (April-June) rains subsided in many areas of Somalia and factors. Heavy rainfall often associated with seasonal rains or cyclones, can
flood waters receded in several villages along the Juba and Shabelle river lead to excessive runoff that overwhelms the region's inadequate drainage
valleys. Despite a general reduction in precipitation, flood risks remain. systems. Deforestation, caused by factors such as agricultural expansion
Heavy rains in Hargeysa, Somaliland, on 29 May triggered a flash flood that and resource extraction, has reduced the land's natural capacity to absorb
washed away a vehicle; killing two people while a woman was also and retain rainwater. This loss of vegetation cover increases surface
electrocuted (OCHA, 2020). The worst affected areas along the Shabelle runoff, contributing to the occurrence of flash floods. Additionally, poor
River include Baladweyne in Hiran and parts of Middle Shabelle where infrastructure, including poorly designed or maintained roads and
there has been destruction of property and inundation of farmlands. As of inadequate urban planning, further exacerbates the impact of heavy
22 October, the river level at Baladweyne is at 7.8m which is about half a rainfall by impeding the proper flow of water and leading to rapid water
meter short of the full bank level. Over bank spillages from minor accumulation.
tributaries passing through Baladweyne town have caused flooding
leading to displacements of a significant number of households. The local The impacts of flash floods on lives and livelihoods in Hirshabelle state are
authority and partners have started to evacuate vulnerable communities significant and multifaceted. The loss of human lives is a tragic
to higher grounds within Baladweyne. (FAO, 2019). consequence of flash floods, with people often caught off-guard or unable
to evacuate in time. Displacement and homelessness are common
In Qardho town, Bari region in Puntland State, authorities and partners outcomes, as flash floods force people to abandon their homes, leading to
estimate that 80 per cent of the 22,500 people who were displaced by flash temporary or long-term displacement. Homes and infrastructure are often
floods in April, have returned to their homes following a reduction in damaged or destroyed, leaving individuals and families without shelter
rainfall in the area. In Belet Weyne district, Hiraan region in Hirshabelle and basic services.
State, the Shabelle River dropped from the bank-full level of 8.30 metres
as of 28 May to 6.35 metres as of 31 May. The road connecting Ceel Jaale Flash floods also have a severe impact on agriculture and livestock. Crops
and northern districts is accessible. The district task force estimates that are frequently destroyed, resulting in food shortages and loss of income
12,000 people out of 240,000 who were displaced, have already returned for farmers. Livestock can be swept away or perish in the floods, further
to their homes. (OCHA, 2020). disrupting the livelihoods of communities reliant on animal husbandry.
The contamination of water sources during floods poses health risks, as
In Lower Shabelle region, South West State, water levels receded in floodwaters may carry pollutants, sewage, and disease-causing agents.
Mashani, Wagadi and Majabto villages of Afgooye district and sections of This can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases and a lack of access to
Qoryooley and Marka districts. As a result, some of the 26,000 displaced clean water and proper sanitation facilities.
people have started returning home. Like the Shabelle, there is a reduction
Furthermore, flash floods cause damage to critical infrastructure such as
in water levels along the entire length of the Juba River. Flooding reduced
roads, bridges, and communication systems. This disrupts transportation
in the upper reaches, but some farmlands are still submerged in Middle
networks, hampers access to healthcare and emergency services, and
and Lower Juba (OCHA, 2020). Flooding has already caused 273,000
impedes overall economic activities in the region. The cumulative
people in Belet Weyne town and surrounding areas in the Hiraan region
economic losses resulting from infrastructure damage, loss of livelihoods,
and an additional 30,000 households in Gedo region to be displaced (NRC,
and decreased productivity contribute to increased poverty levels and
2019). Further displacement is likely if rain persists and river levels
further exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of the affected communities.
continue to rise as expected. As of 28 October, displaced people were being
relocated to the highlands, though due to a lack of shelter, many have been In order to mitigate the impacts of flash floods and ensure the safety of
forced to shelter under trees or in emergency tents (NRC, 2019). lives, crop production, health, and properties, it is crucial to investigate the
causes and impacts of flash floods in Hirshabelle state. This requires a
Food is an urgent concern in flood affected communities. In Gedo and Juba comprehensive approach that includes the development and
regions, at least 1,200 farms have been inundated and 250 livestock implementation of early warning systems, improvement of infrastructure,
drowned (FAO 22/10/2019). It is unclear how flooding has impacted sustainable land management practices, climate change adaptation
agriculture infrastructure, though in past flooding, farm tools such as measures, disaster preparedness and response planning, and community
irrigation pumps were significantly impacted (OCHA, 2018). The affected education and training programs. By addressing these factors,
regions of Gedo and Hiraan are already experiencing high levels of food communities can become more resilient to flash floods and better
insecurity. As of September 2019, 30,000 people in Gedo and nearly equipped to cope with their impacts.
100,000 people in Hiran were classified as IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) or 4
(Emergency) (IPC, 2019). Damage to crops and loss of livestock will 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS
exacerbate food insecurity.
3.1 Study Area and Population
The objectives of this study are twofold. Firstly, the general objective is to
investigate the causes and impacts of flash floods on lives and livelihoods Hirshabelle State is an autonomous region in south-central Somalia. It is
in the Hirshabelle state of Somalia. Secondly, the specific objectives bordered by Galmudug to the north, South West State of
include identifying the causes of flash floods in Hirshabelle state, assessing Somalia and Banadir region to the south, Ethiopia to the west and
the impact of these floods on lives and livelihoods, and developing the Indian Ocean to the east. Hirshabelle state is new state under the
practical and effective strategies to mitigate the causes and impacts of federal republic of Somalia. It is established 6th October in 2016 by Federal

Cite The Article: Mohamed Muhudin Ali, Gulshan Ara Latifa, Mahmuda Parvin (2023). Causes And Impacts of Flash
Floods on Live and Livelihoods in Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4(1): 51-55.
 Ecofeminism and Climate Change (EFCC) 4(1) (2023) 51-55

Republic of Somalia. It consists of two regions and they are Hiiran and sample of the population needs to be studied. The sample size was
Middle-Shabelle state of Somalia. The target population for this study determined using the formula n = N/1+N (e)2, where N represents the
includes various individuals involved in the research, such as experienced population size or target population. For the survey questionnaire, the
farmers, experts in the field, and teachers from reputable universities sample size was determined to be 57, resulting in a total of 95
relevant to the research topic, community members, and international respondents. For the interview, the population size was 6, leading to a
organizations with useful data. However, due to the large population, a sample size of 5.

Figure 1: Study area

2.2 Study Design were employed for data analysis. Relying on a single method was deemed
insufficient. For quantitative data analysis, the researcher utilized SPSS
The meaning of research design varies among different textbooks, with software version 20, which facilitated the analysis of the collected data. By
some defining it as the choice between qualitative and quantitative employing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods and
methods, while others emphasize the selection of specific data collection utilizing appropriate software, a more comprehensive understanding of
and analysis methods. In the context of a dissertation, research design can the research topic was achieved.
be understood as a general plan outlining the approach to answering the
research question. It encompasses research strategies and methods for 3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
data collection and analysis. In this particular study, the survey research
design was chosen to effectively achieve the research objectives while 3.1 Results
saving time and costs. Given the limited availability of resources, survey
research involves collecting data by asking individuals questions through Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics presents the distribution of
various means such as in-person, paper-based, phone-based, or online respondents across different variables. In terms of age, the majority of
surveys. By utilizing sampling techniques, data was collected from a subset respondents (88%) were between the ages of 20-30, with a small
of the population involved in the study, as surveying everyone would be percentage (4%) being under 20 and 8% falling within the 30-40 age
time-consuming and expensive. range. Regarding gender, the majority of respondents (86%) identified as
male, while 14% identified as female. In terms of education, almost all
2.3 Instruments of Data Collection and Methods of Analyses respondents (98%) had a university education, with only a small
percentage (2%) having no formal education. In terms of occupation, the
Two types of data collection tools, questionnaires and interviews, were largest group of respondents (56%) were students, followed by 32% who
utilized for data collection in this study. To ensure comprehensive and were employed and 12% who were jobless. Finally, in terms of living area,
reliable data regarding the causes and impact of flash floods on lives and the majority of respondents (88%) lived in urban areas, while 12%
livelihoods in Hirshabelle state, both qualitative and quantitative methods resided in rural areas.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics

Variables Category Frequency Percentage
Under 20 2 4
20-30 44 88
Age
30-40 4 8
Total 50 100
Male 43 86
Sexy Female 7 14
Total 50 100
University 49 98
Education None 1 2
Total 50 100
Student 28 56
Employed 16 32
Occupation
Jobless 6 12
Total 50 100
Urban 44 88
Living area Rural 6 12
Total 50 100

Variables Category Frequency Percentage

Natural causes 18 36
Manmade causes 4 8
Main causes of Flash floods
Both 28 56
Total 50 100

Cite The Article: Mohamed Muhudin Ali, Gulshan Ara Latifa, Mahmuda Parvin (2023). Causes And Impacts of Flash
Floods on Live and Livelihoods in Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4(1): 51-55.
 Ecofeminism and Climate Change (EFCC) 4(1) (2023) 51-55

Table 3: On Environmental Situation During Flash Floods.

Variables Category Frequency Percentage
Very good 1 2
Excellent 5 10
Environmental situation Bad 12 24
Very bad 32 64
Total 50 100
Good 5 10
Very good 2 4
Sheltering situation Bad 24 48
Very bad 19 38
Total 50 100
Yes 43 86
No 2 4
Loss of Agriculture and Livestock Intermediate 5 10
Total 50 100
Yes 42 84
No 2 6
Health problems
Intermediate 6 12
Total 50 100
Yes 37 74
Somalia government
No 13 26
aide
Total 50 100
Yes 37 74
International aide No 13 26
Total 50 100
Yes 42 84
Community help No 8 16
Total 50 100
Yes 44 88
Negatively impacts
No 6 12
Plants and Animals
Total 50 100
Land transportation 9 18
Water transportation 22 44
The table presents the distribution of responses regarding the main causes university education, indicating a high level of educational attainment
of flash floods. Among the respondents, 36% attributed flash floods to within the sample. This suggests that the findings may be more applicable
natural causes, while 8% identified manmade causes. The majority (56%) to individuals with a higher level of education and may not be
believed that both natural and manmade causes contribute to flash floods. representative of the broader population with varying educational
backgrounds. It is important to be cautious when generalizing the results
The table provides information on various variables related to the to populations with different educational levels. In relation to occupation,
situation and impacts of flash floods. The "Environmental situation" the largest group of respondents (56%) identified as students. This
variable shows that only 2% of respondents perceived the environmental suggests that the survey attracted a significant number of participants
situation as very good, while 10% considered it excellent. However, a who were currently enrolled in educational institutions. Furthermore,
significant portion (64%) viewed the environmental situation as very bad. 32% of respondents reported being employed, indicating a substantial
Similarly, the "Sheltering situation" variable indicates that 48% of proportion of individuals who were part of the workforce. It is worth
respondents perceived the sheltering situation as bad, and 38% noting that 12% of respondents were jobless, which highlights the
considered it very bad. Concerning the "Loss of Agriculture and Livestock," presence of unemployment within the sample. These findings provide
a majority (86%) reported experiencing losses in agriculture and insights into the occupational diversity within the surveyed population.
livestock. In terms of health problems, 84% of respondents indicated that Finally, in terms of living area, the majority of respondents (88%) reported
they had been affected. The majority of respondents (74%) reported living in urban areas, while 12% resided in rural areas. This suggests that
receiving aid from the Somalia government and international the survey sample was predominantly comprised of individuals living in
organizations. Additionally, 84% of respondents stated that they received urban settings. The urban-rural divide in the sample may have
help from the community. In terms of transportation, water transportation implications for the generalizability of the findings to populations residing
was the most commonly used (44%), followed by land transportation in rural areas. Overall, the socio-demographic characteristics of the
(18%). These findings shed light on the various aspects of the impacts and respondents reveal important information about the composition of the
responses to flash floods, highlighting the negative consequences on the sample. It is crucial to consider these findings when interpreting the
environment, sheltering, agriculture, livestock, health, and transportation. survey results and assessing their applicability to the broader population.

3.2 Discussions Table 2: The table provides insights into the distribution of responses
regarding the main causes of flash floods among the survey respondents.
Table 1: The socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents Let's examine the findings in more detail: According to the data, 36% of
provide valuable insights into the distribution across different variables. the respondents attributed flash floods to natural causes. This suggests
Firstly, in terms of age, the majority of respondents (88%) fell within the that a significant proportion of the participants believed that factors such
20-30 age range. This indicates that the survey primarily attracted young as heavy rainfall, storms, or natural geographical features were the
adults, suggesting that the findings may be more representative of this age primary drivers of flash floods. These respondents likely emphasized the
group. A small percentage (4%) of respondents were under 20 years old, role of natural forces in triggering flooding events. On the other hand, 8%
indicating the inclusion of some teenagers in the sample. Additionally, 8% of the respondents identified manmade causes as the main contributors to
of respondents were between the ages of 30-40, representing a smaller flash floods. This implies that a smaller proportion of participants
proportion of the sample that were slightly older. Regarding gender, the attributed the occurrence of flash floods to human activities. Manmade
survey results indicate a gender imbalance among the respondents. The causes may include factors such as inadequate urban planning,
majority of respondents (86%) identified as male, while 14% identified as deforestation, improper drainage systems, or construction in flood-prone
female. This gender distribution suggests that the survey may have had a areas. These respondents likely emphasized the impact of human actions
higher male representation compared to females. It is important to on exacerbating flood events. Interestingly, the majority of respondents
consider this gender bias when interpreting the findings and generalizing (56%) believed that both natural and manmade causes contribute to flash
them to the broader population. In terms of education, the survey had a floods. This suggests that a significant proportion of participants
highly educated sample. Almost all respondents (98%) reported having a recognized that flash floods can result from a combination of natural

Cite The Article: Mohamed Muhudin Ali, Gulshan Ara Latifa, Mahmuda Parvin (2023). Causes And Impacts of Flash
Floods on Live and Livelihoods in Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4(1): 51-55.
 Ecofeminism and Climate Change (EFCC) 4(1) (2023) 51-55

forces and human activities. They likely acknowledged the complex health, and transportation. These insights can inform disaster
interplay between natural factors and human interventions in causing or management and response strategies to better mitigate the impacts of
exacerbating flooding incidents. The distribution of responses indicates a flash floods and support affected communities in their recovery efforts.
diversity of opinions among the survey participants regarding the main
causes of flash floods. It highlights differing perspectives on the relative 4. CONCLUSION
influence of natural forces versus human activities in triggering or
intensifying flooding events. These findings underscore the importance of The study investigated the causes and impacts of flash floods on lives and
considering both natural and manmade factors when studying and livelihoods in the Hirshabelle state of Somalia. The study found that both
addressing flash flood risks. It also emphasizes the need for integrated natural and manmade factors contribute to flash floods in the region.
approaches that account for both environmental and human factors in Natural factors include heavy rainfall, deforestation, and poor drainage
managing and mitigating the impacts of flash floods. systems. Manmade factors include overgrazing, urbanization, and climate
change. The study also found that flash floods have a significant negative
Table 3: The table provides important insights into the environmental impact on lives and livelihoods in the Hirshabelle state. The floods damage
situation during flash floods, shedding light on various variables related to property, destroy crops, displace people, and cause health problems. The
the impacts and responses to these events. In terms of the "Environmental study found that the most vulnerable to the impacts of flash floods are
situation" variable, the findings indicate that only a very small percentage women, children, and the elderly. The study recommends a number of
of respondents (2%) perceived the environmental situation as very good, interventions to mitigate the causes and impacts of flash floods in the
while 10% considered it excellent. However, a significant portion of Hirshabelle state. These interventions include:
participants (64%) viewed the environmental situation as very bad. This
suggests that the majority of respondents had a negative perception of the Reforestation: Planting trees can help to absorb excess water and reduce
environmental conditions during flash floods. The high percentage of the risk of flooding.
respondents considering the situation as very bad indicates that the floods
had severe detrimental effects on the environment, such as pollution, Improved drainage systems: Building and maintaining drainage systems
destruction of natural habitats, or contamination of water sources. can help to prevent flooding and divert water away from populated areas.

Similarly, the "Sheltering situation" variable reveals that a considerable Reduced grazing: Overgrazing can lead to soil erosion and increased
proportion of respondents had negative perceptions of the sheltering flooding risk. Reducing grazing can help to protect the environment and
conditions during flash floods. About 48% of participants considered the reduce the risk of flooding.
sheltering situation as bad, and 38% considered it very bad. These findings
suggest that a significant number of individuals faced challenges related to Sustainable urbanization: Urban planning that takes into account the risk
finding suitable shelter or experiencing inadequate living conditions of flooding can help to protect people and property from floods.
during and after the flash floods. It highlights the need for improved
emergency sheltering and support systems to address the needs of Climate change adaptation: Investing in climate change adaptation
affected populations. measures, such as early warning systems and disaster risk reduction, can
help to reduce the impacts of flash floods.
Regarding the "Loss of Agriculture and Livestock," a majority of
respondents (86%) reported experiencing losses in agriculture and Early Warning Systems: Implementing effective early warning systems
livestock. This indicates that flash floods had a significant impact on can help alert communities about impending flash floods, allowing them
agricultural activities and livestock rearing. The losses in these sectors can to take necessary precautions and evacuate if required.
have long-lasting consequences on food security, livelihoods, and the local
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Cite The Article: Mohamed Muhudin Ali, Gulshan Ara Latifa, Mahmuda Parvin (2023). Causes And Impacts of Flash
Floods on Live and Livelihoods in Hirshabelle State of Somalia. Ecofeminism and Climate Change, 4(1): 51-55.