MOGADISHU, June 3 (Xinhua) --- The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said Tuesday it has safely evacuated its troops from a military base, northeast of Mogadishu, due to heavy flooding in the area.
The AU mission said during the evacuation of the Burundian troops stationed at Xawaadley Forward Operating Base on Monday, one of the helicopters experienced a technical malfunction, but the pilots skilfully maneuvered the aircraft to land safely.
"All troops and crew have been successfully evacuated to the nearest military base, and no casualties have been reported," AUSSOM said in a statement issued in Mogadishu.
According to a flash update by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Seasonal rains have triggered localized flooding in several parts of Somalia since mid-April, particularly in Hirshabelle, Galmudug, Jubaland, Puntland, South West states and Banadir region.
At least 17 people have been killed and over 84,000 others displaced by flash floods caused by torrential rains across Somalia, the agency noted.
Somalia, where nearly two-thirds of the population depend on agriculture, has suffered extreme climate shocks, including prolonged dry spells that caused droughts and heavy rains resulting in floods.
The latest flooding came at a time when aid operations are constrained by severe funding cuts. ■
