On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, His Excellency President Jacob Zuma has conveyed a message of heartfelt concern and empathy to the people of the Federal Republic of Somalia in the wake of the destruction caused by the cyclone and torrential rains that hit the Somali region of Puntland this week.
The unprecedented storm, followed by heavy rains, has affected more than 250,000 households, killing 150 people, with more feared dead. The unusual weather patterns have also resulted in a million livestock perishing, leaving the vulnerable people of Somalia more destitute. The resultant flooding has further isolated the affected regions and made relief efforts much more difficult due to inaccessibility by road.
President Zuma said: "Our sincere sympathy goes out to all the victims of the cyclone; in particular, women and children who are the worst affected during such natural disasters. The people of South Africa share the pain and loss of those who lost their loved ones, their homes and property. South Africa stands by Somalia and we also wish those injured speedy recovery."
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