Somalia: 595,000 people facing a very high flood risk

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with the FAO-SWALIM agency, has released an assessment report regarding the expected impact of the Deyr rains related to El Niño on the country's water infrastructure.

The report stated that an assessment conducted on 7,517 water sources showed that 595 of them are facing a very high flood risk, including 68 strategic water wells that are crucial for water access.

As mentioned in the study, 65 percent of the water sources at flood risk are located in ten districts of the country, indicating the need for special prioritization of these areas when planning flood risk mitigation.

The ministry stated that the report highlights important measures that need to be taken before floods occur, including the protection of wells and their equipment, reducing the risk of water pollution, preparing water purification materials, and maintenance equipment for infrastructure that may be affected.

Additionally, this assessment is expected to assist in guiding preparedness plans, coordinating the activities of agencies working on water and sanitation, and decisions related to funding flood prevention measures.

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources has called on stakeholders working in water, sanitation, and hygiene to base their preparedness plans on the findings and recommendations of the report, in order to reduce the potential losses from floods and to protect the water sources that communities rely on.