Somalia steps up climate risk mitigation ahead of El Nino rains

Somalia is ramping up emergency preparations ahead of the October-December rainy season to mitigate potential flood impacts, as climate experts warn that a strengthening El Nino could bring unusually heavy rainfall.

Somalia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) convened strategic meetings from Sunday to Monday with local and international partners to strengthen multi-agency flood prevention and emergency preparedness ahead of the anticipated rains.

The forum brought together government institutions, climate experts and international partners to strengthen early warning systems and promote timely action against floods, droughts and other severe weather events, including potential El Nino impacts.

The meeting also evaluated the impacts of previous climate seasons, specifically the 2026 Gu rainy season, and presented the climate outlook for the upcoming Deyr season, spanning October through December.

The emphasis on early action was echoed by SoDMA Disaster Risk Management Director Khadar Sheikh Mohamed, who urged vulnerable communities to take early precautions as the Deyr rains approach at a three-day strategic meeting convened by SoDMA in partnership with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Mogadishu and concluded on Sunday.

"The rains are expected during the Deyr season in October, November and December, with communities in vulnerable areas advised to take early precautions," Mohamed said on Sunday.

Mohamed said the disaster agency had already placed 29 districts across 14 regions on high alert for riverine and flash flooding.

Heavy seasonal rains across Somalia and the upper catchments in Ethiopia are expected to push the Jubba and Shabelle rivers toward dangerous levels, while short-duration, high-intensity downpours threaten to trigger severe flash floods in urban and rural areas.

SoDMA has advised residents to monitor official alerts, identify evacuation routes, and assemble emergency kits containing food, water, medical supplies and essential documents.

Communities situated along the Jubba and Shabelle rivers are urged to track water levels continuously.

According to the agency, local authorities must prepare evacuation centers, rescue craft, temporary shelters and emergency response units.

SoDMA further called on community leaders, commercial enterprises and media outlets to actively disseminate public safety notices and flood warnings.

Disaster agency officials have emphasized the critical role of early and anticipatory action in mitigating flood impacts before severe weather strikes.