Somalia Steps Up Flood Preparations in Beledweyne amid El Niño Warning

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BELEDWEYNE: Somali disaster officials have stepped up preparations for possible flooding in Beledweyne, one of the country’s most flood-prone cities, as communities are urged to prepare for potentially heavy rains in the coming months.

The officials visited the Leebow and Shiniile areas around the city, where they met residents and local authorities to assess conditions and discuss measures to reduce the risks posed by heavy rainfall and flooding.

Residents were urged to clear drainage channels and keep emergency access routes open, helping water to drain more effectively while allowing emergency and relief teams to reach affected communities if flooding occurs.

The awareness campaign comes as Somalia increases preparations for the possible effects of El Niño, with authorities focusing on early warning, community preparedness and emergency response.

Beledweyne sits along the Shabelle River and has repeatedly experienced severe flooding when heavy rains cause river levels to rise. Previous floods have displaced large numbers of residents, damaged homes and infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods across the city and surrounding areas.

The risk was particularly evident in 2023, when the Shabelle River overflowed and flooded large parts of Beledweyne, forcing communities to evacuate and creating major humanitarian needs.

The experience has increased the emphasis on early action, including keeping waterways clear and ensuring roads and other access routes remain usable during emergencies.

The latest preparedness efforts also come after years of drought and other climate shocks that have left many Somali communities vulnerable to further disruption. Heavy rains can bring temporary relief from drought but can also create new humanitarian problems when rivers overflow or drainage systems are overwhelmed.

Disaster officials Hassan Iise and Abdifatah briefed residents on the potential risks and encouraged them to take preventive measures ahead of the rains.

The campaign forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community preparedness and ensure authorities can respond more quickly if flooding affects Beledweyne and other vulnerable areas.