The National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) held an emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the preparedness and response to the potential impact of El Niño, a climatic phenomenon that causes extreme weather events.
The meeting, which was attended by representatives from various humanitarian, relief, diplomatic and governmental agencies, aimed to coordinate the efforts and resources to mitigate the risks of El Niño, which could affect many parts of the country with floods, droughts, landslides and diseases.
According to SoDMA, El Niño is expected to intensify in the coming months and could cause severe humanitarian and environmental challenges for Somalia, especially in areas that are already vulnerable to food insecurity, displacement and conflict.
The meeting participants agreed on a preparedness plan that includes early warning systems, contingency planning, pre-positioning of supplies, mobilization of funds and advocacy for humanitarian access.
SoDMA also urged the international community and donors to support the Somali government and people in their efforts to cope with the effects of El Niño and to provide timely and adequate assistance to those in need.
