By Asha Elmi - Reporter
SOMALIA, Aug. 15, 2026 – Somalia’s South West State has called for increased humanitarian support as drought continues to affect communities, while authorities warn of possible flooding during the coming Deyr rainy season.
The chairman of Somalia’s National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), Mahmoud Moallin Abdulle, said on Saturday that drought remained a major burden in parts of the country and warned that floods and flash floods could pose additional risks in the coming months.
Speaking at a news conference at SoDMA’s Emergency Operations Centre, Abdulle said the agency had provided assistance to 22,750 people in Afgooye, 29,250 in Baidoa, 19,500 in Qansax Dheere, 16,250 in Buurhakaba, 13,000 in Diinsoor and 6,500 in Xudur as part of its drought response.
He urged humanitarian organisations and donors to increase their support, saying early preparations were needed ahead of possible flooding.
SoDMA identified Mogadishu, Baidoa, Burao, Balcad, Jowhar, Kismayo, Beledweyne, Galkayo, Bosaso, Hargeisa and Qardho among major cities facing potential risks, while warning that flooding could affect wider parts of the country.
South West State leader Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Aadan Madoobe) called for particular attention to the state, citing its large population of displaced people and noting that many of those displaced to Mogadishu had come from South West State.
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He warned that the combination of insecurity, displacement, drought and forecast El Niño conditions could increase the risk of a humanitarian crisis in the state.
Aadan Madoobe urged the federal government, federal member states, aid agencies and international donors to prepare in advance rather than wait for flooding to occur.
He also urged communities to stay away from riverbanks, waterways and other flood-prone areas and to assist people who are particularly vulnerable.
Officials said the Deyr rains, expected from October onward, could bring floods and flash floods, adding further pressure on communities still dealing with the effects of drought.
SoDMA said Somalia needed early preparations and additional donor support to reduce the potential impact of flooding.