By Bakar Osman - Reporter
Authorities in Somalia’s Banadir region have stepped up preparations for potential flooding and other weather-related emergencies linked to the forecast Super El Niño conditions, as concerns grow over the impact of heavy seasonal rains on vulnerable areas of Mogadishu.
Banadir Regional Administration Governor and Mogadishu Mayor Hassan Mohamed Hussein Muungaab chaired a meeting of the regional emergency response committee tasked with preparing for floods and other potential disasters.
The meeting reviewed preliminary measures already undertaken by the administration and assessed preparations for the risks identified in current forecasts.
The committee discussed mapping areas vulnerable to flooding, establishing emergency storage facilities and securing essential equipment for rescue and relief operations.
Plans also include identifying temporary facilities for affected communities, mobilizing health services and strengthening coordination between government institutions, businesses, civil society organizations and other partners involved in emergency management.
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Representatives from the Somali Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Private Banks, Hormuud Salaam Foundation, civil society and companies operating in construction, electricity and sanitation expressed support for the preparedness efforts.
They said they were ready to contribute to emergency response and disaster preparedness measures as the region prepares for possible impacts associated with Super El Niño.
Mayor Muungaab said an emergency operations coordination centre had been established to oversee response activities and facilitate the sharing of forecasts, information and risk assessments.
He also called on religious scholars, community leaders and those with the means to contribute to the response to play their part in protecting communities.
Residents, meanwhile, were urged to closely follow official warnings and public-awareness messages as authorities focus on strengthening early preparedness and prevention before potential hazards escalate into emergencies.