MSF-USA: Somalia: Flooding in Belet Weyne, MSF Supports Displaced People

June 2, 2010
Somalia: Flooding in Belet Weyne, MSF Supports Displaced People

Concerns about the risk of flooding in Belet Weyne during recent weeks were realized last weekend when the rising water levels led to the displacement of more than 10,000 habitants from the town. The displaced population sought refuge in an area approximately 10 km (six miles) to the east of the town. The Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams who had been monitoring the situation were able to immediately respond with a distribution of plastic sheeting shipped from Mogadishu for the 1,500 households affected. A nutritional screening was also carried out, and though the results were not critical the MSF teams will continue to monitor the situation.

MSF previously carried out an emergency intervention in the Hiraan region to assist people affected by floods in November 2006. In January 2007, MSF began to provide medical services both in terms of secondary health care and emergency surgery to the Belet Weyne regional hospital, covering a regional population of over 280,000.

MSF has worked in Somalia continuously since 1991 and today is present in eight regions: Banadir, Bay, Hiraan, Galgaduud, Middle Juba, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Mudug.