Somali army chief inspects damaged bridge in Baardheere amid flood fears

BAARDHEERE, Somalia — The commander of the Somali army’s ground forces, Brigadier General Sahal Abdullahi Omar, has inspected a heavily damaged bridge in the southern town of Baardheere, as authorities prepare for possible major flooding across Somalia.

Omar, who is in Baardheere for official duties, visited the bridge and inspected the extent of the damage, which has left the key crossing out of service.

The army chief and accompanying officers also assessed conditions along the river that runs through the town, including both riverbanks, as well as the security and humanitarian situation in surrounding areas.

The inspection comes amid warnings of possible widespread flooding in Somalia, with communities living along riverbanks considered particularly vulnerable.