Floods have trapped thousands of people in Somalia’s Jubbaland state.

Water levels on the Juba river have risen due to heavy rains that began last month, causing flooding in riverine areas of the state, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha).

2,400 people are trapped in a water-filled area in Luuq district.

Authorities and rescue partners are working to evacuate the stranded residents.

According to an earlier statement by Ocha, 14 people have died and 47,000 have been displaced in the flash floods in Somalia since last month.

Daud Aweis, Somalia’s information minister, said the floods, which also affected Hirshabelle and southern states, caused widespread damage. Adding that the situation was critical, he appealed for support.

After four decades of drought, the country is experiencing heavier rains than normal.

Flooding is a high risk in the south-western Gedo region, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.