Somalia Rainfall Forecast - Issued: 19 October 2020

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Rainfall Forecast
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Abstract: 
The Deyr 2020 rainy season (Sept/Oct—Dec) continued to spread in the north eastern parts of Somalia and a few places in the south during the last two weeks. A dry period was observed in Somaliland which has not recorded any rains since the beginning of the month. Low to moderate rains were observed in the Ethiopian highlands during the same period. There was a fluctuation of river along the Juba and Shabelle Rivers. Currently, levels are significantly above normal along the Shabelle. Today’s River level at Belet Weyne is 7.58m which has surpassed the high risk level of flooding. Similarly, the levels are high in the mid and lower reaches of the river. Todays river level at Jowhar is 5. 25m which is almost at bank-ful. In Agfooye, the levels are at full capacity and most parts of the riverine areas remain inundated. A recent ground survey by SWALIM indicates that there are several open and weak river embankments in Jowhar, Balcad and Afgooye districts with some ranging from 500m to 1,000m wide. Some villages continue to be under water since August 2020. River levels are within normal along the Juba. The cumulative rainfall forecast for this week indicates moderate to heavy rains in central and parts of southern regions including, Nugaal, Mudug, Galgaduud, Hiraan and Bakool regions. No rains are expected along the Juba and in Somaliland during the forecast period. The Ethiopian highlands whose soil moisture is already saturated due to heavy rains since July 2020 will see an increase of rainfall amounts this week. This will subsequently lead to a further increase in river levels especially along the Shabelle river. Given the rainfall forecast and current situation along the two rivers, High Risk of flooding remains along the Shabelle while there is no risk of flooding foreseen along the Juba River. There is a also a high risk of flash floods in the built up low lying areas especially in Mudug and Galgaduud regions
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Date of publication: 
October, 2020
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