Friday June 30, 2023
Jigjiga (HOL) - Winds and snow have been reported between the cities of Jigjiga, the administrative capital of the Somali region in Ethiopia, and Wajale, a village located on the Ethiopia-Somalia border.
The commissioner of Magalo Qaran village in Awbare, Sahane Yusuf Barkhadle, on Friday, stated that it was the first time the snow had been observed falling like stones in that area.
"I have been in administration for 15 years and was here for 30 years. I have never witnessed such a situation; even people in their 70s and 80s have not mentioned such strong winds and snow. The weather has been frigid recently, and people and animals have been near the fires for warmth," he added.
Yusuf Barkhadle emphasized that the snow-covered a distance of 10 kilometres between the areas of Gobyarrey and Haroreys, obstructing all roads. However, no loss of life has been reported as a result of the storm and snow, except for damage to a center for examining people and vehicles, as well as some roofs of houses being destroyed by the wind and snow.
The storm and snowfall occurring in the Somali region of Ethiopia in the last few hours are connected to the global climate crisis.