Key Bridge in Bardhere district collapses due to heavy rains

The Governor of Baardheere district, Mahamed Wali Yusuf Qorax, reported that Heavy rains and the flash floods in the district caused deaths, the destruction of properties and the collapse of the Bridge in Baardheere district, stating that 90% of the Business shut down for the past week.

Bardera is the second largest city in Jubaland, sitting on the Jubba River around 250 km west of the city of Baidoa. concerns raised over a likely deterioration of the living conditions, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in overcrowded settlements with inadequate shelter.

The rains also come at a time when people are struggling with a surge in disease outbreaks, including acute watery diarrhoea/cholera, and measles cases, which are likely to increase due to the risk of people consuming contaminated water and lack of adequate sanitation and hygiene facilities and services.

According to the Baardheere district committee on disaster management and the Jubaland agency for IDPs and Refugees, out of 29 IDP sites hosting 45,000 households, two were affected by flooding and heavy rains, with 8,118 IDPs directly affected. also, Several houses, latrines and other facilities were destroyed or damaged. Meanwhile The heavy rains, especially in the Ethiopian highlands, have increased the risk of the Juba River breaking its bank, particularly in Baardheere Buaale, Saakow and Jilib, which could lead to flash floods and displacement.