Mogadishu Under Water: Deadly Flash Floods Displace Hundreds and Cripple the Capital

  Mogadishu Under Water: Deadly Flash Floods Displace Hundreds and Cripple the Capital

At least seven lives were lost—including two women and two children—after a devastating overnight downpour turned Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, into a disaster zone. The floods, triggered by more than 115 millimeters of rain in just eight hours, struck late Friday night and continued until early Saturday, leaving behind a trail of destruction, despair, and disruption.

Entire neighborhoods were inundated as torrential waters toppled homes and trapped residents inside. More than 200 families were displaced, and at least nine homes were completely destroyed across multiple districts. Major roads, some of Mogadishu’s most critical transport arteries, became impassable, halting public transport and cutting off communities from essential services.

“We spent the night on rooftops, shivering from the cold,” said Mohamed Hassan, a resident of one of the hardest-hit areas. “Some elderly people are still trapped. I haven’t even had breakfast.”

Officials from the Banadir regional administration confirmed the death toll and expressed serious concern about the extensive damage to six major roads, warning that the disruption could severely hamper mobility and emergency response efforts. “These roads are vital lifelines for the movement of people and goods,” said regional spokesperson Salah Omar Hassan.

The floods also briefly disrupted operations at Aden Abdulle International Airport before services resumed. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams from the Somali Disaster Management Agency assessing damage and coordinating emergency relief.

This catastrophe is a stark reminder of Somalia’s vulnerability to climate-related shocks. Just last year, El Niño-induced flooding claimed more than 100 lives and displaced over one million people. The threat remains ever-present—according to a U.N. report published in late April, over 45,000 Somalis have already been affected by flash floods this month alone.

The Ministry of Energy and Water has warned of further flooding, pointing to Mogadishu’s aging drainage system and rapid, unplanned urban growth as key factors exacerbating the crisis. “I have never seen rain this heavy in Mogadishu,” said Abdullahi Ali, a father of two. “Several houses crumbled around us.”

As Somalia grapples with yet another climate disaster, urgent investment in urban infrastructure, flood resilience, and emergency preparedness has never been more critical. For now, the focus remains on saving lives and supporting those who have lost everything—once again.