Flash floods hit about 700,000 in Somalia

MOGADISHU, May 09 (Xinhua): More than 695,000 people have been affected by flash floods and river floods caused by ongoing heavy rainfall in Somalia, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

According to WHO, out of the figure, nearly 215,000 people have been displaced in the last few days as most flooding occurred in the regions of Bakool, Banadir, Bay, Hiraan, Lower Juba, Middle Juba and Middle Shabelle.

"Urgent needs of the afflicted communities include shelter, food, health, nutritional supplies, access to water and sanitation, latrines, mosquito nets and tents," WHO said in a statement released on Tuesday evening.

The UN agency warned that flooding can trigger the transmission of water-borne and vector-borne diseases, such as cholera, malaria and dengue fever, and contaminate water sources.

However, the UN health agency estimates an additional 2 million U.S. dollars will be required to purchase and distribute emergency supplies to other flood-affected areas.