Somalia Approves National Plan to Prepare for El Niño Impacts

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has approved a National El Niño Preparedness Plan for 2026–2027, bringing federal institutions, Federal Member States and local authorities under a coordinated framework to prepare for potential climate-related emergencies.

The plan was approved at a ministerial-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, as Somalia steps up preparations for the potential impacts of El Niño and seeks to ensure that forecasts and early warnings are translated into timely action across the country.

The plan places particular emphasis on strengthening early-warning and risk-monitoring systems, while setting out measures to protect communities, livestock, agriculture, water resources and critical infrastructure from potential climate shocks.

Abdi urged government institutions and authorities at different levels to implement the plan quickly and effectively, stressing the importance of coordination and accountability throughout the preparedness process, as well as early action, emergency response and recovery.

The move comes as Somalia faces renewed climate risks after years of drought, flooding and displacement. Regional climate forecasts have pointed to an increased risk of heavy rainfall and flooding during the October-December 2026 season, raising concerns about additional pressure on communities that remain vulnerable to food insecurity and displacement.

The new national framework is intended to improve coordination between government institutions and ensure that resources and response measures are positioned ahead of potential emergencies rather than after disasters occur.