SoDMA Opens El Niño 2026 Preparedness Simulation in Mogadishu

Mogadishu, (SONNA) — The Commissioner of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), H.E. Mahamuud Moallim Abdulle, opened a preparedness simulation in Mogadishu to test Somalia’s readiness for El Niño 2026 and the national response capacity to sudden and riverine flooding along the Juba and Shabelle rivers.

Organised by SoDMA in cooperation with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the meeting brings together representatives from the Federal Government, Federal Member States, international organisations and local organisations.

The simulation focuses on testing how early warnings are generated, communicated and used, assessing risk information, coordinating institutions and taking early action to translate forecast information into effective decisions to reduce the impact of flooding and protect vulnerable communities.

H.E. Mahamuud Moallim said Somalia has made progress in strengthening early warning systems, but stressed that the priority is to turn available warnings into timely decisions and early action.

He added that the simulation is testing institutional coordination, information sharing and the mobilisation of emergency support while identifying challenges and areas requiring improvement to reduce the impact of flooding and protect lives and livelihoods.