By Maher Ahmed - Reporter
Somalia, 6 May 2026 The Somali government warned farmers Tuesday of flooding in river areas.
The alert was issued by Agriculture Minister, Mohamed Abdi ‘Mareye’ via a video statement.
This warning comes as weather forecasts predict significant rainfall, raising concerns about potential flooding along the Shabelle and Juba Rivers, which are crucial to Somalia’s agricultural sector.
“Forecasts indicate possible flooding, especially near the Shabelle River and other major waterways,” Minister Mareye stated. “Farmers in these areas need to take necessary precautions, as flooding is likely.”
According to the latest data, heavy rains in Hiran, Lower Shabelle, and parts of Juba have led to flash floods and displacement of people.
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The government estimates that over 150,000 hectares of farmland are at risk of being submerged if the floods continue to escalate.
Minister Mareye also called on regional agricultural ministries and local authorities to prepare for the potential impacts. He assured the public that the federal government would assist affected communities wherever possible.
The warning underscores the vulnerability of Somalia’s agricultural sector, which heavily relies on river water for irrigation.
Minister Mareye stressed the need for proactive measures to minimize potential losses, saying the country has suffered significant losses in the past from similar flooding events, with over 300,000 people affected by floods in 2022 alone.