Somalia, NRC Discuss Stronger Disaster Response Amid Climate Risks

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s disaster management agency and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) have discussed strengthening preparedness and response to the country’s worsening humanitarian challenges, including drought, floods, conflict and displacement.

The talks took place in Mogadishu between SoDMA officials and NRC Secretary-General Jan Egeland, who visited the agency’s headquarters to review its operations.

The discussions focused on Somalia’s humanitarian situation and the need to strengthen early-warning systems, emergency response and community resilience as the country faces multiple and overlapping risks.

The humanitarian officials highlighted drought, flooding, conflict, food insecurity and displacement among the main challenges confronting vulnerable communities. They also discussed preparations for the potential impact of Super El Niño, which could bring significant weather disruptions to parts of the region.

Egeland toured SoDMA’s offices and received an overview of its work in early warning, emergency response and disaster preparedness.

The meeting comes as Somalia continues to face humanitarian pressures driven by climate shocks and conflict, with repeated droughts and floods disrupting livelihoods, particularly among rural and displaced communities.

The talks underscored the importance of moving beyond emergency relief towards stronger disaster preparedness and resilience, allowing authorities and humanitarian organisations to respond more quickly when crises occur.