Somalia floods: Bodies unearthed and bridges swept away

Following Somalia's worst floods in a century, gushing waters have swept through a cemetery in the central city of Galkayo, leaving bodies floating through the streets, Report informs via the BBC.

With houses partially submerged and human remains floating nearby, locals fear an outbreak of disease.

Some of the bodies were recognisable, further traumatising people - and as the water has subsided unearthed bones have also been found.

At least 32 people have been killed across the country and the UN warns that more than 1.6 million people could be affected in the devastating floods which follow years of drought.

The situation in Galkayo is not as severe as in the Gedo region of southern Somalia, where the River Juba has burst its banks and swept away a key bridge in the city of Bardere. It was overwhelmed by floodwaters and collapsed on Saturday.

Almost all the city's residents have been forced to move to the outskirts.

Somalia's fragile, UN-backed government has been trying to provide emergency relief, but it says it cannot cover all the affected areas.

"For the last five days, we have supplied many materials for those in need - the current situation has overwhelmed the government capabilities," Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister Salah Jama told the BBC.

Another problem is that some areas are not in the hands of the government and are controlled by the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabab.

The Somali Disaster Management Agency (Sodma) says it has been receiving regular calls from people living in al-Shabab territory, but it is not able to help as it would be too dangerous for officials to venture there.

In some cities people whose houses are still standing have been told to take in those who have been made homeless - and some communities have been clubbing together to cook meals for one another.

The heavy rainfall and floods are expected to continue until the end of November, according to Sodma. As well as those who have had to leave their homes, 1.5 million hectares of farmland could potentially be destroyed, the UN warns.

The thought of more rain falling is terrifying for many people already struggling to find food and clean water.