In Pictures: Somali tsunami

1 of 9 Fishing villages along Somalia's north-eastern coastline have been devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami.

2 of 9 Whole communities have had their houses reduced to rubble. Some 54,000 are estimated to be affected.

3 of 9 This woman lost her husband to the giant waves. Local authorities in Puntland - the region worst affected - say 298 Somalis, mainly fisherman, have died.

4 of 9 Boats as well as houses were swept away, threatening the communities' livelihoods. Most catches are exported, bringing in essential revenue.

5 of 9 This dead lobster was dumped with other debris by the waves some 300m from the seashore, behind coastal housing in the village of Gabba.

6 of 9 The Somali Red Crescent was the first aid agency to reach villages near Bander Beyla with medical assistance. While the UN has so far provided some 12,000 people with food assistance and is preparing to help many more.

7 of 9 Here, Red Crescent officials prepare to hand out medical kits. According to the organisation more than 280 were wounded in the Bander Beyla region by the flooding.

8 of 9 Waiting for food aid, people in Gabac have built temporary shelters from the flotsam and jetsam thrown up by the sea.

9 of 9 While, some in Tulele are seeking shelter in caves along the beach. Photographs: Puntland Human Rights Organisation