SoDMA, FAO and Norway Discuss El Niño Preparedness and Early Warning

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mr. Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle, held a meeting with the Director of the FAO Office of Emergencies and Resilience, Rein Paulsen, the FAO Representative in Somalia, Etienne Peterschmitt, and representatives from the Government of Norway, focusing on strengthening cooperation on El Niño preparedness, early warning and emergency measures to prevent the impact of disasters.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed how to link early warnings to coordinated early action in order to save lives, protect community livelihoods, and reduce the impact of floods and other El Niño-related risks.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of mobilizing funding and additional support to address the humanitarian needs at hand, while strengthening long-term investment in disaster preparedness, risk reduction and building community resilience.

Finally, SoDMA Commissioner Mr. Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle affirmed the Agency's commitment to government leadership in disaster risk management, strengthening coordination and developing cooperation with international agencies and other partners, in order to ensure timely response and effective government capacity.