BELEDWEYNE, Somalia — Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) chief Mahmoud Moallin Abdulle arrived in the central city of Beledweyne on Saturday as authorities stepped up preparations for possible flooding linked to the expected impact of El Niño.
Abdulle was accompanied by the state minister for relief and disaster management in Hirshabelle state. The delegation was welcomed by officials from the Hirshabelle administration and members of the local community.
The visit forms part of efforts by the federal government to strengthen preparedness and reduce the risks posed by flooding, particularly in Beledweyne and surrounding areas that are vulnerable to rising water levels.
During his stay, Abdulle is expected to meet officials from the regional and district administrations as well as representatives of local communities to discuss flood preparedness and possible response measures.
He will also visit areas near waterways to assess conditions on the ground and promote public awareness about the risks associated with flooding.
Abdulle urged residents to clear and clean waterways and drainage channels to allow water to flow freely and reduce the risk of flooding and related damage.
He also called on residents to stay away from areas vulnerable to flooding and take early measures to protect lives and property.
Beledweyne, located along the Shabelle River, has repeatedly faced severe flooding, with overflowing river waters and heavy rains causing displacement and damage to homes, farmland and infrastructure.
The latest preparations come as Somali authorities and humanitarian agencies monitor weather and climate forecasts for potential flooding and other hazards associated with El Niño conditions.
Authorities have increasingly emphasized early warning systems, community preparedness and the clearing of waterways as key measures to reduce the impact of flooding in vulnerable parts of Somalia.
