Friday May 4, 2018
Money transfer giant Dahabshiil Group has provided food aid for 3,000 families affected by the flash floods. SUPPLIED
BELED WEYNE (HOL) - Dahabshiil Group, one of the leading money transfer companies in Africa, has announced that it will be distributing food aid to flood victims outside Beled Weyne.
Speaking to the BBC Somali Service, Abdirashid Duale, the CEO of Dahabshiil group said that they plan to hand out food supplies to 3,000 families that have been affected by the flood.
Dahabshiil also announced that they are setting up a special account for donations to flood victims. They encourage anybody to stop by their nearest Dahabshiil location or agent and inquire for more details.
The money transfer company said that it would be waiving all commission charges on money sent to aid flood victims.
When asked why wealthy Somali businessmen who have made huge profits in Somalia aren’t doing more to help flood victims, Duale retorted that Dahabshiil group is always ready to help Somali’s in need.
“We (Dahabshiil) are at the forefront of helping Somali’s. We build roads, hospitals, and respond to national emergency. I am not speaking on behalf of all business, I’m speaking for Dahabshiil exclusively.”
The United Nation has warned that the devastating flash floods across Somalia have affected close to a half million people and has displaced 175,000.
Beledweyne, in the Hirshabelle region, is among the worst hit. Local officials estimate that over 100,000 people have been displaced. President Farmajo visited flood-affected areas near Beledweyne and appealed to the international community for urgent humanitarian assistance.
Although aid is coming through - The World Health Organization (WHO) delivered 4.5 million metric tons of medicines and other supplies to Beledweyne on April 29 - more funds are urgently needed to assist the growing number of displaced residents.