PRESS RELEASE

With reference to the Government’s press statement yesterday (Nov. 11), Puntland Government’s Disaster Management and Rescue Committee held a second meeting Tuesday morning with U.N. and other international aid agencies in Garowe to share information and coordinate relief efforts.

The meeting focused on the present situation following the Government’s declaration of a disaster emergency after a tropical cyclone struck several coastal districts in Puntland. Heavy torrential rains, high wind speeds and flooding has created a state of emergency, with 300 persons feared dead, hundreds others unaccounted for, and countless livestock lost.

Eyl, Beyla, Dangorayo, Hafun, Alula, Rako Raho, and Jariban are among the most affected districts along the eastern and northern coasts. Many fishermen are missing and feared dead. The storm has destroyed entire villages, homes, buildings, and boats. The main tarmac highway between Garowe and Bossaso has been cut off near Sunijif, north of Garowe, causing the biggest logistical problems during the ongoing relief efforts. H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamud (Farole), the President of Puntland Government, visited the site near Sunijif on Tuesday to assess the extent of damage and appealed for emergency international assistance.

The Government has loaded 60 ton of emergency supplies consisting of non-perishable foods, blankets, tents, and medicines. Ten doctors and two ambulances are aiding relief efforts. Makeshift shelter centers are being established in main villages to absorb displaced persons.

Puntland security forces including the PMPF are using military transport trucks to deliver relief supplies to affected coastal districts in this vast territory. The loaded and ready trucks cannot deliver supplies by road, as the heavy rains and flooding has rendered dirt roads to the coastal areas impassible.

Some communication lines are also off air causing more burdens. Communities in affected districts are in need of emergency supplies, including clean water, non-perishable foods, medicines, tents, and blankets.

Puntland Government continues its appeals to the people, world governments, and international aid agencies to donate relief supplies and to support delivery of emergency assistance via airdropping of relief supplies.

Disaster Management and Rescue Committee contact information:

+252 907 793333
+252 907 79149
+252 907 746089
+252 907 725309
+252 907 794068