Floods kill seven in Mogadishu

Torrential rains hitting the war-ravaged Somali capital of Mogadishu claimed the lives of at least seven people as houses were destroyed, officials and witnesses said Thursday.

Torrential rains hitting the war-ravaged Somali capital of Mogadishu claimed the lives of at least seven people as houses were destroyed, officials and witnesses said Thursday.

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At least 15 more were injured with hundreds of families also forced from their homes by the overnight deluge.

Mogadishu Mayor Mohamed Osman Dhagahtur gave the death toll, while witnesses said most of the victims were living in dilapidated homes.

"We did not sleep last night because of the rains and floods swept away my house," said Asho Moalim Hasan, a mother of three.

Mogadishu's run-down roads were also rendered impassable, they said.

The country is currently experiencing heavy rains in the wet season that runs between April and June.