Somalia to Receive €6 Million in EU Aid for El Niño Preparedness

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The European Union has allocated €6 million to Somalia to strengthen emergency preparedness and support vulnerable communities ahead of a potentially severe El Niño weather event expected to affect parts of Africa in 2026 and 2027.

The funding is part of a €13.5 million humanitarian package announced by the European Commission earlier this month to support early action and reduce the impact of extreme weather across Eastern and Southern Africa.

In Somalia, the money will support preparations at evacuation sites, emergency cash assistance and expanded health and nutrition services.

Kenya has been allocated €1 million for disaster preparedness, cash assistance, shelter support and health and nutrition activities in vulnerable areas. Uganda will receive a similar amount to strengthen its response to ongoing food insecurity, while the remaining €5.5 million will support early action in Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region.

The funding comes as climate forecasts point to an exceptionally strong El Niño event, raising concerns over disrupted rainfall patterns, drought, flooding and food insecurity in several parts of the continent.

The World Meteorological Organization has warned that the phenomenon could reach very strong intensity towards the end of 2026, with effects on global weather patterns extending into 2027.

EU Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said early intervention was essential to reduce the humanitarian consequences of the expected weather conditions.

“When we can see a crisis coming, we have a responsibility to act before it strikes,” Lahbib said, adding that early action could help communities protect their homes, livelihoods and food supplies.

The EU said the funding was intended to help communities prepare before the effects of the weather event intensify, rather than wait until a crisis unfolds.