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Somali Floods Displace Hundreds of Thousands, Raise Fears of Coronavirus
Spread

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - Surging floodwaters in the southern regions of Somalia have
   driven more than 650,000 people to flee their homes this year. The U.N.
   refugee agency reports the flooding has caused food shortages, led to
   the outbreak of killer diseases and increased the risk of the
   coronavirus spreading in the country.

   More than 150,000 flood victims have become homeless since late June,
   including 23,000 in the past week, according to officials. Weather
   forecasters warn the worst is not over. They predict the heavy rains
   and extreme flooding will continue for some time in certain regions and
   exacerbate the living conditions of the hundreds of thousands of
   displaced.

   U.N. refugee agency spokesman Charlie Yaxley reports many of the newly
   displaced are living in overcrowded, makeshift shelters with little
   protection from the harsh weather. He says families are exposed to
   increased risk of crimes such as robbery and rape.

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