Middle Shabelle, Somalia – Severe flooding has struck the village of Nukay near Jowhar in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region after a 15-metre section of the Shabelle River embankment collapsed, sending torrents of water into farmlands and residential areas.

Local authorities responded swiftly, mobilising community members to reinforce vulnerable sections of the riverbank. Residents were seen forming human chains to stack sandbags in an effort to divert the rushing waters and protect homes and crops from further destruction.

“We are doing everything we can with the little resources available. If we don’t stop the water now, thousands of people could be displaced,” said a local official overseeing the emergency response.

The affected area is part of Somalia’s agricultural heartland, where families depend almost entirely on seasonal river-fed farming. Flooding at this stage threatens to wipe out recently planted crops, raising fears of food shortages in the coming weeks.

Humanitarian agencies have been alerted to the situation, but access to the area remains difficult due to damaged roadways and ongoing water overflow. Authorities are appealing for immediate support, including water pumps, additional sandbags, and emergency shelter materials.

Flooding along the Shabelle River is a recurring challenge for riverine communities, but locals say this breach came with little warning due to rising water levels upstream.

As efforts continue through the night to contain the damage, residents warn that without sustained assistance, the situation could worsen rapidly.