By Asha Elmi - Reporter
MOGADISHU, 10 October 2026 — Somalia has identified 595 water sources at high or very high risk of flooding ahead of the 2026 Deyr rainy season, as forecasts point to above-average rainfall associated with El Niño, according to an assessment released by the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s Somalia Water and Land Information Management (FAO-SWALIM) on Saturday, 10 October.
The assessment screened 7,517 strategic water sources across the country, including boreholes, dug wells, earth dams and berkads, to identify infrastructure potentially exposed to flooding and guide preparedness efforts.
Of the water sources assessed, 71 were classified as being at very high risk and 524 at high risk. The report also identified 68 monitored strategic boreholes among the water sources at risk. Ten districts account for 65% of water sources in the two highest-risk categories, indicating that potential exposure is concentrated in specific areas.
Regional climate forecasts cited in the September 2026 report indicate a high probability of above-normal rainfall in central and southern Somalia between October and December. This raises concerns about flooding along the Juba and Shabelle rivers, as well as flash floods elsewhere.
The report identifies Jowhar, Afgooye, Beledweyne, Luuq, Balcad, Hudur, Bu’aale, Rab Dhuure, Bulo Burto and Qoryooley as priority districts for preparedness measures.
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It recommends protecting vulnerable boreholes by raising and sealing wellheads, elevating electrical equipment and generators, and strengthening protective structures around wells and other water infrastructure. It also calls for the advance deployment of chlorine, water-testing equipment, water containers and pump spare parts.
Flooding could damage water points, contaminate supplies and disrupt access to safe drinking water, the assessment warns. Floodwaters could also prevent operators and repair teams from reaching affected infrastructure.
The report urges government authorities, water and sanitation partners, United Nations agencies and development organisations to use its findings to guide preparedness, coordination and funding decisions before the rains begin.
It also recommends addressing active riverbank breaches along the Juba and Shabelle rivers, where floodwaters can spread into surrounding settlements and agricultural areas.
The assessment draws on historical flood records and terrain-based modelling to identify areas requiring further investigation and protective measures. However, it cautions that the modelling indicates potential flood susceptibility rather than predicting inundation at individual water points.