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KISMAYO – The authorities of Jubaland State have strengthened early preparedness measures to address potential risks associated with the El Niño phenomenon during the autumn season by intensifying the monitoring of climate forecasts, developing early warning mechanisms and increasing the readiness of government institutions and local communities. These measures focus on ensuring that climate information is used to take proactive steps to reduce the risks of heavy rainfall, flash floods, flooding and water accumulation, and to protect residents and their livelihoods in the areas most exposed to potential impacts.
The measures followed a joint meeting held by the Jubaland Ministry of Environment and Climate Change and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, attended by Minister of Environment and Climate Change Edeed Suleiman Hashi and Deputy Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Mohamed Osman Jama, along with the Director-Generals of the two ministries and a number of officials and specialists. The meeting reviewed a report on climate forecasts related to the El Niño phenomenon and discussed available indicators and the potential implications of rainfall during the coming season, stressing the need to strengthen institutional coordination and preparedness before risks develop.
The participants agreed to continue preparing and regularly updating climate reports and to strengthen the exchange of information and data among relevant government authorities, helping identify areas most exposed to risks and improve planning and response. They also stressed the importance of linking monitoring and forecasting activities with practical measures that enable authorities to prepare early and mobilize resources and emergency teams when necessary, thereby reducing reliance on delayed response after damage has occurred.
As part of strengthening the early warning system, the two ministries, in coordination with relevant government authorities, agreed to issue early warnings regarding expected rainfall and potential risks associated with the El Niño phenomenon. The Director-Generals of the two ministries were tasked with following up on this issue and strengthening coordination among institutions to ensure that warnings reach local authorities and at-risk communities in a timely manner, particularly residents living near flood channels and in low-lying areas that may experience water accumulation.
At the local level, the administration of El Wak in Gedo region held an awareness meeting for residents on the potential impacts of rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon, with the participation of the local administration, security forces, clan elders, organizations operating in the town and representatives of different sections of the community. The participants reviewed climate forecasts and reports and discussed preventive measures that could be taken to protect residents, particularly in areas exposed to flooding and water accumulation, while stressing the importance of early action and compliance with guidance issued by the relevant authorities.
These efforts come amid the need to strengthen Jubaland’s capacity to manage recurring climate risks, particularly as El Wak was among the areas affected by the impacts of the El Niño phenomenon during the 2023 season. The experience highlights the importance of building an early warning system that does not merely produce forecasts, but also ensures that reliable information reaches communities and is translated into timely decisions and preventive action. Continued cooperation among government institutions, local authorities and humanitarian actors can strengthen preparedness during the rainy season, reduce potential losses and support a shift in disaster response from dealing with impacts after they occur toward prevention, preparedness and risk reduction.
