EthiopiaSomalia Issues El Nino Flood Alert
Somalia has issued an emergency alert to communities living in flood-prone areas as it strengthens early warning and evacuation measures ahead of potential heavy rains and flooding linked to El Nino. The Somali Disaster Management Agency warned that the Shabelle River has breached its banks at 366 critical locations, raising fears of flooding.
Global Newsflix 2 min readSomalia has entered the Deyr rainy season, with heavy rainfall expected across several regions, according to the Somali Disaster Management Agency. The agency urged communities to remain alert and take necessary precautions to prepare for the expected rains and potential flooding.
The country's meteorologists have confirmed that 2026 is a Super El Nino year, with forecasts pointing to exceptionally heavy rainfall during the October-December Deyr rainy season. The greatest risk lies along the Jubba and Shabelle river basins.
SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Moallim Abdulle said the condition of the Shabelle River and years of neglect had increased the risk of flooding, particularly for communities living near the river. The river has developed breaches at 366 locations, which are major, dangerous points.
The agency warned that ongoing El Nino conditions could trigger heavy rains, flash floods, and river overflowing, posing severe risks to low-lying areas, riverine communities, and flood-prone locations. The El Nino threat comes as many Somali communities struggle to recover from compounding climate shocks.
SoDMA advised residents to monitor official alerts, identify evacuation routes, and assemble emergency kits containing food, water, medical supplies, and essential documents. Communities situated along the Jubba and Shabelle rivers are urged to track water levels continuously.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that projected El Nino rains and severe flooding could affect up to 3.4 million people in Somalia across 16 regions between October and December. The combination of flooding, displacement, and poor sanitation threatens to trigger widespread waterborne disease outbreaks.
SoDMA has identified evacuation sites and is pre-positioning relief supplies in vulnerable areas. The agency is working with the Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs to disseminate information through mosques and has engaged Hormuud to prepare millions of voice alerts for vulnerable areas.
Key facts
- Somalia has issued an emergency alert to communities living in flood-prone areas due to El Nino flood risk.
- The Shabelle River has breached its banks at 366 critical locations, raising fears of flooding.
- Up to 3.4 million people in Somalia could be affected by El Nino rains and severe flooding.
- SoDMA has identified evacuation sites and is pre-positioning relief supplies in vulnerable areas.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The situation in Somalia is being closely monitored as the country prepares for potential heavy rains and flooding. The government and aid agencies are working together to strengthen early warning and evacuation measures. The impact of the flooding will depend on the severity of the rains and the effectiveness of the response efforts.
Positive
The Somali government and aid agencies are taking proactive steps to prepare for the potential flooding, which could help mitigate the impact on communities. SoDMA's efforts to disseminate information and prepare evacuation sites could help save lives and reduce displacement.
Negative
The El Nino flood risk poses a significant threat to Somali communities, particularly those living in low-lying areas and along the Jubba and Shabelle rivers. The lack of maintenance on the Shabelle River and the presence of al-Shabab in some areas could exacerbate the flood risk and hinder response efforts.
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