Senior officials from the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), who are on an official working visit to Beledweyne, Hiiraan Region, conducted public awareness activities and assessed the situation in communities surrounding the city.

The officials visited Leebow and Shiniile, where they met with local authorities and community members and shared information on the El Niño forecast and the key measures communities should take to prepare for any potential impacts.

The local administrators commended SoDMA’s efforts to strengthen public awareness and preparedness for emergencies and briefed the officials on the local situation and the needs of the communities.

SoDMA officials, including NEOC Manager Hassan Isse and Director Abdifatah, provided communities with awareness messages on the risks associated with heavy rainfall and flooding. They urged residents to adequately prepare for the situation and to open and clear waterways and emergency access routes to reduce the risk of flooding and facilitate emergency response should an emergency occur.

This initiative is part of the government’s plans to mitigate the potential impacts of El Niño and comes as the SoDMA Commissioner and his delegation are in Beledweyne to accelerate preparedness efforts and strengthen public awareness.