100 people feared dead as Cyclone hits Puntland, Somalia

Officials assess damage caused by a powerful cyclone in Somalia's Puntland region.  (Photo:Courtesy/FAO)

Puntland, Somalia: Shortly after the devastating cyclone hit parts of northern Somalia, the extent of its impact is beginning to emerge with about 100 people feared dead and tens of thousands of livestock wiped out, according to the Puntland authorities.

According to data collected by weather experts at the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the cyclone, characterized by unusually heavy storms, is currently dissipating after heavily inundating the coastal town of Eyl at 139 mm of rainfall, followed by Garowe (117mm) and Dangoroyo (100mm). Rainfall data shows the storm diminished over Somaliland.