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Tsunami hits Kenya,
Tanzania and Somalia.
The tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean that struck the Horn of Africa coastline just over two weeks ago has affected about 18,000 households of varying sizes in Somalia, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.
Many of those affected were living in small villages along the Somali coastline, particularly in the northeastern regions. Their lives were devastated by the waves, relief workers said. In addition to loss of life, a large number of shelters were either damaged or destroyed, wells washed away and a large number of fishing boats and equipment lost.
"The fact that this time of the year coincides with the peak of the fishing season increases the number of those affected," one relief worker said. OCHA, in a situation report released on Monday, estimated that 54,000 people were directly affected. In Jeriban and Eyl districts, 1,000 houses were either damaged or destroyed and around 1,200 boats ruined. All shallow wells were also reported buried, while water reservoirs were destroyed by the waves. In Bender Bayla, 180 houses were reported completely damaged, in addition to an estimated 1,400 boats.
Relief workers reported they were having difficulty in reaching various affected areas that stretch out along 650 km of Somali coastline. Existing road tracks had become impassable, while the main bridge linking Hafun peninsula to the land was washed away.
At the time the waves hit, the area was also heavily populated with migrant fishermen, since this is the peak season for the industry. Many of them were living in temporary shelters and have seen all their possessions washed away or damaged.
According to relief workers, their agencies were preparing to appeal for millions of dollars for the immediate needs of the affected people, especially water and sanitation since the sources for drinking water have been contaminated. The bulk of the appeal, to be launched on Thursday, would cover logistics and means to improve access in order to ensure the delivery of relief supplies and rehabilitation materials. Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) has started distributing food aid to thousands of those affected along the Somali coast. WFP staff were on Hafun peninsula, which was the area most affected area, Bander Beyla town, Jeriban district and another team was being sent to Alula district north of Hafun, WFP said in a statement on Tuesday.
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Source: Irinnews.
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