Dozens feared dead in flooding in Jijiga

ESAT News (April 4, 2016)

A river that passes through the town of Jijiga, in Somali region of eastern Ethiopia over flooded Sunday night killing at least 13 while over 50 others were unaccounted for till Monday. The regional police also said a father who lost his six children had died on Monday.

Heavy rain that was falling for hours resulted in the over flooding of the Kodun Woda river. Police said seven of the deceased were children.

A resident of Jijiga, Ahmed Degdere told the press on Sunday that he had lost his six children who were asleep during the flooding. Degdere died on Monday.

Police and residents of the town were searching for the 55 people still missing. The flooding had also caused damages to property. Meteorologists warn there could be similar flooding in the future in the town.