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Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami, 2004

Devastation in Somalia: Tsunami Brings Fresh Horrors to a War-Torn Region

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

When the wave first swept through Foar, a village of 1,000 on Somalia's Indian Ocean coast, it carried lobsters halfway up the hillside. The village was swamped by the Asian tsunami, which traveled 3,750 miles from Indonesia to batter the African coast. The tsunami destroyed over 25 homes, swept 50 boats off the beach, and filled wells with saltwater, leaving the inhabitants without fresh water or food. The men have lost their livelihood, and tens of thousands of people may be homeless and without basic necessities.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 298 people died in Somalia due to the tsunami, a significantly lower number compared to the devastation in Asia.
  • The tsunami destroyed over 25 homes, swept 50 boats off the beach, and filled wells with saltwater, leaving the inhabitants without fresh water or food.
  • The men have lost their livelihood, and tens of thousands of people may be homeless and without basic necessities.
  • The World Food Program is using Foar as an aid-distribution center for its teams, which have spread out along the coastline to assess the damage.
  • The population has run out of survival strategies in the absence of state institutions, and people rely on local support networks, which are weakening over time.
  • The World Food Program estimates that the number of people affected by the tsunami is not yet clear, with uncertain data on the coastal population.
  • Somalia has been splintered into fiefdoms run by rival warlords since the overthrow of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.
  • A new Somali government established in neighboring Kenya aims to re-establish order by the end of the month.
  • Banditry and corruption are rife in the region, preventing aid officials from flying over the coast to assess the devastation.

Statistics:

  • 298 people died in Somalia due to the tsunami.
  • Over 25 homes were destroyed in the village of Foar.
  • 50 boats were swept off the beach in Foar.
  • The tsunami filled wells with saltwater, leaving inhabitants without fresh water.
  • The World Food Program estimates that tens of thousands of people may be homeless and without basic necessities.
  • 250 miles is the distance from Foar to the nearest airstrip.
  • 10 hours is the duration of the journey from Foar to the nearest airstrip, which can be made only with armed escorts.
  • 1991 is the year dictator Mohamed Siad Barre was overthrown, leading to the fragmentation of Somalia.

Sources:

  • By Rob Crilly; Special for USA TODAY
  • Interview with Maulid Warfa, program officer for the World Food Program in Somalia
  • World Food Program estimates on the number of people affected by the tsunami
  • Report from the village of Foar, Somalia
  • Photo by Francesco Broli for USA TODAY
  • Graphic by USA TODAY (MAP)

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