MOGADISHU, March 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) warned on Tuesday that Somalia will experience enhanced rainfall between April and June, which would lead to flooding across the country.
Citing the seasonal climate forecast issued by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Center (ICPAC), the UN agency said there is a high probability of 55 percent of above-average rainfall in most parts of Somalia during the upcoming Gu rainy season (the long rainy season in Somalia).
"The projected above-average rainfall during the coming Gu season is likely to lead to a high potential of flooding over the Juba and Shabelle rivers," the UNICEF said in its latest report.
Gu, which sometimes starts as early as the second half of March, is the main wet season in Somalia and is critical in supporting agricultural activities and replenishing water and pasture.
The UNICEF said heavy rains in the Ethiopian Highlands may lead to flooding along the two rivers. Areas expected to be affected include the middle and lower reaches of the two rivers, where there are still open riverbanks and weak river embankments.
Therefore, early measures need to be put in place, including cleaning drains, harvesting water and raising awareness, it said.
In the past several months, El Nino rains and the following flash floods have killed at least 118 people and affected more than 2.4 million others in Somalia, according to the United Nations. ■