Somalia Disaster Agency Warns Beledweyne Residents Over El Nino Risks

**Somalia Disaster Agency Warns Beledweyne Residents About El Nino‑Related Flood Risks**
*Beledweyne, Somalia – 7 September 2026*

Senior officials from Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) have intensified public‑awareness efforts in and around Beledweyne, urging residents to prepare for potential flooding and other hazards associated with the forecast El Nino conditions.

During a working visit to the Hiiraan region, SoDMA representatives toured the outskirts of Beledweyne, specifically the areas of Leebow and Shiniile. They met with local authorities and community members to discuss the latest weather outlook and to outline measures that could reduce the impact of possible flooding.

SoDMA officials Hassan Issa and Abdifatah briefed communities on the El Nino forecast and called for early precautions in case heavy rains lead to flooding or other emergencies. They urged residents to clear and maintain drainage channels and to keep emergency access roads open, thereby facilitating quicker response by rescue teams if an emergency occurs.

Local administrators welcomed the outreach, noting that the visits were important for raising public awareness and improving preparedness. They also provided the delegation with updates on local conditions and the needs of communities in the affected areas.

Beledweyne lies along the Shabelle River and has a history of severe flooding, which has caused displacement and damage to homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. The current campaign is part of broader government efforts to mitigate the potential impact of El Nino and to strengthen preparedness in flood‑prone areas.

SoDMA officials and their delegation remain in Beledweyne coordinating preparedness measures and engaging local communities ahead of the anticipated weather conditions.

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Shabelle Media Network