Nairobi (SONNA): The National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the United Nations General Disaster Warning Agency have jointly organized a five-day conference in Nairobi, inaugurated by SoDMA Commissioner Mohamud Ma’alin Abdulle. The event, attended by directors from various ministries of the Federal Government of Somalia, United Nations representatives, and other dignitaries, aims to enhance public awareness about the dangers of floods and droughts in Somalia.
The conference’s primary objective is to educate the public on the risks associated with natural disasters, particularly floods and droughts, which frequently impact Somalia. Commissioner Mohamud Ma’alin Abdulle emphasized the significance of the workshop, highlighting the involvement of key government agencies working on social issues.
In his opening remarks, Commissioner Abdulle emphasized the importance of the workshop for the community, noting the presence of heads of various government agencies. He stated, “This meeting is crucial for our community as it brings together leaders from different sectors to address the pressing issues of disaster management and preparedness.”
During his stay in Nairobi, Commissioner Abdulle plans to engage with the leadership of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to discuss the unexpected flooding caused by the Shabelle River, which is believed to have been released by Ethiopia. This dialogue aims to find collaborative solutions to mitigate the impact of such events on Somalia.
Commissioner Abdulle also highlighted the role of international organizations in preventing La Nina-induced droughts. He stated, “International organizations will demonstrate how to help prevent La Nina droughts and the role of our organization in this regard.”
In his opening speech, Commissioner Abdulle warmly welcomed the participants and expressed his gratitude to the UNDRR Regional Office for Arab States for facilitating the workshop. He acknowledged the progress made by SoDMA since its re-establishment in August 2022, noting the agency’s development of a robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) governance structure.
“Today, we can celebrate our agency SoDMA, which has matured over the years and built a strong DRR governance structure. We can also celebrate our contribution to the government’s capacity to better plan, prepare, and respond to disasters,” said Commissioner Abdulle.
He also recognized the support of donors and partners, stating, “These achievements would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our donors and partners through their special financing programs. On behalf of the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia and indeed on my own behalf, I would like to sincerely express appreciation to all of you.”
Despite the progress made, Commissioner Abdulle acknowledged the challenges that still threaten the sustainability and viability of capacity strengthening in disaster risk management. He expressed concern over the low number of agencies participating in the EW4ALL initiative, which aims to integrate early warning systems into programming.
“At the moment, we have about four to five agencies engaged in integrating early warning systems into their programming, and the pipeline does not look promising. This is a matter that should be taken seriously, and we need all efforts to ensure that a significant number of vulnerable populations are protected from the impacts of disasters,” he said.
The National Technical Consultation Workshop on Disaster Tracking, Data Management, and Early Warning Systems for Somalia marks a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response in Somalia. With the collaboration of government agencies, international organizations, and other stakeholders, SoDMA aims to build a resilient community capable of effectively managing and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.
