By Zakaria Soohoyde - Reporter
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DJIBOUTI, 28 September 2026 Djibouti authorities on Sunday announced a large-scale preventive operation aimed at reducing the risk of flooding in the capital as the El Niño climate phenomenon is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the region.
Government agencies have begun cleaning and rehabilitating drainage systems and other infrastructure designed to channel rainwater away from populated areas.
The Djibouti National Office of Water and Sanitation (ONEAD) has mobilized significant human and material resources to repair drainage canals and ditches and clear waterways blocked by vegetation and waste, particularly the invasive Prosopis tree, locally known as Geed Yahuud.
Meanwhile, the Djiboutian Agency for Rural Development (ADR) is removing debris, stones and other waste that have accumulated at several drainage points, particularly around the Military Hospital in Djibouti.
The Djibouti Road Office (OVD) is also cleaning areas identified as flood-prone hotspots, where household and solid waste frequently accumulate.
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The operation is intended to prevent waste from entering and blocking drainage networks during periods of heavy rainfall, which could increase the risk of flooding.
In the capital’s Third District, particularly in the Cité Progrès neighbourhood, authorities have also begun clearing a drainage channel under the supervision of the district administration.
The operations are expected to continue in the coming days, with additional government agencies expected to join the preparedness efforts.
The Djibouti Prefecture commended the directors general, technical teams and all personnel involved in the flood-prevention operations.