South West state of Somalia Steps Up El Niño Preparations as Flood Risks Rise

BAIDOA, Somalia — South West State leader Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe has met a ministerial-level committee overseeing preparations for and response to the potential impacts of El Niño, as authorities step up efforts to mitigate risks from heavy rains and flooding.

The meeting in Baidoa focused on weather conditions, forecasts for El Niño-related rainfall and measures being taken by South West authorities to strengthen preparedness and emergency response across the state.

The committee briefed Madobe on contingency plans, public awareness campaigns, the storage of food and medical supplies, and coordination between government agencies and humanitarian partners working in the state.

Madobe instructed the committee to accelerate preparations and preventive measures aimed at reducing the risks posed by flooding and other hazards associated with heavy rainfall, with the protection of lives and property among the government’s priorities.

South West State is also strengthening coordination among government institutions, district administrations, local communities and humanitarian organisations to ensure a rapid and unified response should flooding or other humanitarian emergencies occur.

The preparations come as parts of Somalia remain vulnerable to climate-related shocks, with heavy rains capable of causing flooding, damaging infrastructure and disrupting livelihoods in communities already facing humanitarian pressures.

Authorities are therefore seeking to improve early preparedness, public awareness and the availability of essential supplies before severe weather conditions develop.

The meeting underscored the importance of coordination between state authorities and humanitarian agencies in responding to potential emergencies and limiting their impact on communities across South West Somalia.