Djibouti residents take rain and flooding in stride

Story by Marine Corps Capt. M. Popescu

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti (December 6, 2006) - Minor flooding from heavy rains wash out a heavily traveled road in Djibouti City. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph McLean)

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti -- After nearly seven centimeters of rain accumulated from midnight until the afternoon of Dec. 7, the city is beginning to dry out.   No deaths or injuries were reported following Wednesday’s flooding in Djibouti.

This year’s rain total of almost 28 centimeters is almost double the normal average of 15 centimeters seen in Djibouti, but after a longer than normal period of drought, it’s a welcome addition to the water table. 

Yearly, during this part of the season, the Horn of Africa region receives most of its precipitation.  In fact, it is expected, and people are usually prepared for the rain from years of experience.  Construction of homes, roads, sewers and businesses is usually at the outer limits of yearly flooding, and natural space is left for water to expand in just such situations.

Unlike the floods of 2004, which killed a significant number of people, this time there was no appreciable flooding.  As the water pushed up from the normally dry wadi, sewer systems backed up and roads accumulated large puddles of water.  The standing water made many roads impassable, diverting traffic through otherwise unused detours.  The detouring traffic caused some minor traffic jams and slowed people’s movement.

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti (December 6, 2006) - Water from heavy rains accumulated in downtown Djibouti City. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph McLean) - (Large Image.   Hi-Res Image.)

Puddles of water are a primary breeding ground for mosquitoes.  People in Djibouti will have to be extra vigilant for mosquitoes because they can carry malaria.

The military base at Camp Lemonier experienced the same rain as the city, and the careful base design channeled all the water towards the sea. 

The U.S. Marine Corps helicopters based at Camp Lemonier reported no humanitarian emergencies.  While flying normal missions to supply various locations throughout Djibouti, they flew at lower altitudes and making extra passes to look for people needing assistance.  Though they reported significant water flowing through otherwise dry river beds, the pilots didn’t see people in

Looking at the current weather situation, the rains have tapered off with some lingering moisture producing mostly cloudy skies for the area. Showers will be in the vicinity of Djibouti for the remainder of Friday but none expected on Camp Lemonier.  Winds continue to be from the east-northeast with speeds of 19 to 28 kilometers per hour.  That coupled with the rising temperatures will help dry out the land.

Source: CJFT-HOA, Dec 08, 2006