MOGADISHU, Somalia: The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahmoud Ma’allin Abdulle, met with George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, and Crispen Rukasha, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Somalia, to discuss the humanitarian situation and preparedness for potential flooding associated with Super El Niño.

The meeting focused on the growing risk of heavy rainfall and flooding, particularly riverine floods, amid indications of rising water levels and increasing flood threats in several areas. Discussions emphasized the importance of strengthening preparedness and ensuring timely action to protect communities at risk.

The participants also discussed enhancing early warning systems, emergency response capacity and coordination between the Federal Government and humanitarian partners. These efforts aim to reduce the potential impact of flooding and ensure that life-saving assistance reaches vulnerable populations in a timely and effective manner.

In addition, the meeting addressed the potential implications of the fighting reported in Buurhakaba for humanitarian access and the delivery of assistance to affected communities. The participants highlighted the importance of ensuring that humanitarian operations can reach people in need and that assistance is delivered safely and without unnecessary delays.

The meeting underscores the importance of close cooperation between SoDMA, the United Nations and humanitarian partners in anticipating emerging risks, strengthening emergency preparedness and coordinating timely responses to protect lives and livelihoods across Somalia.