River floods in Ethiopia’s Somali Region leave farming families facing ruin and children out of school

(ERGO) – More than 2,800 students in Qallaafe zone in Ethiopia’s Somali Region have been out of school since April after flooding from the Shabelle River forced families from their homes and destroyed schools, farms, businesses, and water sources.

The floods closed 18 free primary and secondary schools in Qallaafe and surrounding villages in Shabelle zone, leaving children facing an uncertain future.

Among those affected is Omar Sheikh Abdi Khayre, who fled from Shubo village to nearby Goobyaal area after floodwaters swept through his community.

Three of his children attending Shubo Primary and Intermediate School have not returned to class since the disaster struck in April. There is no school where they are currently living.