MOGADISHU, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian agencies have scaled up assistance to help more than 1.24 million people who have been affected by devastating floods caused by torrential rains pounding Somalia, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Tuesday.

The OCHA said heavy rains and floods have displaced more than 456,800 people from their homes while at least 32 people have died.

The OCHA said in its latest update for the seasonal Deyr (October-December) rainy season that most of those affected are in the Bay region of South-West State. "Humanitarian agencies and authorities have stepped up assistance, reaching at least 679,400 people across Somalia with water, sanitation, food, cash, health and other forms of assistance."

The update came as very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is forecast in southern Somalia, with likely riverine and flash flooding from Nov. 14 to 21.

According to the OCHA, heavy rains are also expected in the Bay region in South-West State, parts of Somaliland, and Galmudug amid concern over the risk of disease outbreaks, especially cholera.

The floods came after the worst drought in four decades following five failed rainy seasons, which has decimated livestock and crops, pushing the country to the brink of famine. Enditem

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