Baidoa, Somalia: Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle, today opened a meeting in Baidoa focused on preparedness for the anticipated El Niño conditions.

Organized by the South West State Ministry of Planning, the meeting brought together representatives from various South West State ministries, regional and district authorities, international and local organizations to strengthen preparedness and coordination for flood response.

Speaking at the meeting, Commissioner Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle emphasized that preparedness cannot wait until a disaster occurs. He presented the National El Niño Preparedness and Response Coordination Plan and called on all stakeholders to strengthen coordinated preparedness efforts.

The Commissioner also directed stakeholders to accelerate community awareness, particularly among people living in high-risk areas, and ensure that every district has clear evacuation, rescue, and emergency response plans to reduce potential loss of life and property from flooding.