South West strengthens preparations for expected floods

BAIDOA — The South West State of Somalia is strengthening preparations to counter the effects of El Niño and floods, with rains expected to begin in the coming days, officials have said.

The Ministerial Committee for Preparedness and Response to the Impact of El Niño in South West has held a meeting with humanitarian agencies operating in the districts of the Lower Shabelle region. The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Committee and Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs of South West, Cabdinasir Cabdi Arush, and discussed the community situation and existing needs, as well as the preparations for delivering aid to those who may be affected by floods and inundations.

Officials presented the latest information on the El Niño situation, with expectations that rains will begin in the coming days. There was particular concern about the impact of floods on people living near rivers.

The South West administration has promised humanitarian agencies that it will facilitate their operations, to strengthen preparedness and ensure that urgent assistance reaches communities affected by floods and inundations. The meeting was also attended by the ministers of planning, women, energy and water, cultural elders, the administration of Lower Shabelle region, and the humanitarian coordinator for the region.

The meeting comes at a time when the South West administration and humanitarian agencies are strengthening cooperation and coordination of humanitarian activities, to mitigate the impact of anticipated floods resulting from the expected rains. Officials emphasized the importance of delivering aid and essential services quickly to people living in vulnerable areas in the event of floods.

The Ministerial Committee for Preparedness and Response to the Impact of El Niño in South West has met with humanitarian agencies operating in the districts of the Lower Shabelle region.

The meeting was chaired by the Chairman of the Committee and Minister of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs of South West, Abdinasir Cabdi Arush, and discussed the community situation and existing needs, as well as preparations for delivering aid to those who may be affected by floods and inundations.

Officials presented the latest information on the El Niño situation at the meeting, with expectations that rains will begin in the coming days. There was particular concern about the impact of floods on people living near riverbanks.

The South West administration has promised humanitarian agencies that it will facilitate their operations, in order to strengthen preparedness and ensure that immediate assistance reaches communities affected by floods and inundations.

The meeting was also attended by the ministers of planning, women, energy and water, cultural elders, the administration of Lower Shabelle region, and the coordinator of aid in the region.

The meeting comes at a time when the South West administration and humanitarian agencies are strengthening cooperation and coordination of humanitarian activities, to mitigate the impact of anticipated floods resulting from the expected rains.