SoDMA and the United Nations Discuss the Risks of Flooding and the Humanitarian Situation in Somalia

MUQDISHO — The Chairman of the Somali National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Maxamuud Macallin Cabdulle, held a meeting with officials from the United Nations, focusing on the humanitarian situation in the country and preparations for potential floods that may arise from the heavy rains associated with the Super El Niño climate event.

The meeting was attended by George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, and Crispen Rukasha, the Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Somalia.

According to the meeting report, the parties specifically discussed the risk of river floods, considering signs indicating rising water levels and the flood risk in several areas.

They also discussed ways to strengthen early warning systems, emergency response, and coordination between the Somali government and humanitarian agencies, to reduce the impact of floods and ensure that assistance reaches vulnerable people living in high-risk areas in a timely manner.

The meeting also addressed the impact of the fighting that occurred today in the town of Buurhakaba on the delivery of humanitarian assistance and the situation of people affected by the conflict.

These discussions come at a time when Somalia is preparing for the risks posed by heavy rains and floods, which could threaten lives, displace families, and disrupt the delivery of services and emergency assistance.