@Krako73, thank you for asking a very good question.

So Balanbal Oomane like many of the smaller settlements are really part of what could be termed the "Balanbale-Fadhigaradle metro." Balanbale in the Galgaduud Region of Somalia to Fadhigaradle west in the district of Shilabo (Shilaabo/Shilavo) are two perimeter points of the same people (belonging to very close knit sub-clan of the Marehan people who in that landscape with Caabudwaaq (Abudwaq) as principal center. So in that particular "Balanbale-Fadhigaradle metro" a large section of the population are "nomadic pastoralists" meaning they move with their flock (camels, goats, sheep) for grazing, feed, and water. Obviously they were driven to that livelihood because of their environment. What happens is where they are in one season (Gu or long rainy season, Hagaa or short dry season, followed by Deyr or short rainy season, ending in Jiilaal or long dry season), they are most likely moving to another post in the next season so range and feed can "recover" that why the next migration they come back there is grazing. This is how they naturally manage and conserve resources. BALANBAL OOMANE IS A SEASONAL "BALI" (SOMALI FOR WATERHOLE/LAKE, ETC). 1/2 of the year the waterhole is likely to be a small "seasonal" lake (during the Gu and Deyr rains) and which transitions into a big boisterous village also called by the seasonal lake's name of "Balanbal Oomane." So your question is a very good question given the complexity of lifestyle and environment and settlement pattern that is exhibited in much of this area because of the NOMADIC LIVELIHOOD of the inhabitants. So it is a village identifiable with people and life---for at least 1/2 of the year or more while also just being a dry seasonal lake at least in some part of the year. Generally however, it is referenced as an "inhabited" location locally. As for why you may not see something on satellite, well it is not a dynamic picture but a simple capture depending on "when" taken can have multiple contrasting realities. Generally the grazing lands are refered to as "Reserves" by the people and permanent structures are environmentally discouraged not to mention inconvenient. Hopefully that answered your question. Feel free to always ask me a question if you have need. Best