The article reports on the severe flooding in Somalia, which began with heavy rains in early October 2023. The floods have resulted in the deaths of 50 people and the displacement of over half a million residents. The Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has been actively responding to the crisis, including dispatching relief to affected areas. The United Nations, particularly the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), has highlighted the extensive impact of the floods, with 1.24 million people already affected and projections of up to 1.6 million potentially impacted during the deyr rainy season. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has also reported on the flooding along the Juba and Shabelle Rivers. The UN warns of a significant humanitarian impact from a flood event considered statistically rare, occurring once in 100 years.

Baidoa, the interim administrative headquarters of Somalia's South-West State, has been under siege for nearly two weeks due to a blockade by al-Shabab militants. The blockade on the main road from Mogadishu to Baidoa has led to shortages of food and essentials, causing the cost of living to rise sharply. Local authorities detained teachers for allegedly sympathizing with al-Shabab, exacerbating tensions. Residents, including a small tea shop owner and a gasoline station owner, have expressed concerns over the economic hardship and rising prices. Baidoa Electric Company announced reduced power supply hours due to fuel shortages. The Somali Minister of Livestock, Forestry and Range, Hassan Hussein Mohamed, stated that efforts to combat al-Shabab in the region will be intensified.