In late 2023, when the devastating El Niño rains hit Somalia, many communities were caught off guard by the scale of flooding, especially along the Jubba River. Among those on the frontlines capturing the unfolding disaster was Anas, an environmental journalist with a passion for using his skills to highlight the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Anas and his team traveled from Kismayo to the Qaamqaam area, roughly 22 kilometers north, to document the damage caused by the floods. Armed with his drone, he aimed to capture the reality on the ground and alert people to the dangers of the rising waters. While filming the flood’s effects, Anas stumbled upon something far more alarming—200 civilians trapped in the middle of floodwaters, stranded for two days without anyone knowing.
Realizing the urgency, Anas used his drone to document the situation and immediately shared the footage on social media. The images quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of concern and attention. Thanks to his coverage, the Jubaland administration and various agencies mobilized a rescue mission, sending two fast boats from Kismayo. After an eight-hour operation, nearly 200 men, women, and children were saved.
Anas’ environmental reporting not only captured the impact of the floods but also directly led to saving lives. His story is a powerful reminder of the role that journalism can play in times of crisis, especially in raising awareness of environmental disasters and mobilizing action.
Watch the full story unfold in this video:
