Somalia has urged government agencies, humanitarian organisations, businesses and the public to urgently prepare for possible floods and droughts as weather forecasts point to challenging conditions ahead.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Somalia's Interior Minister Ali Hoosh has called on government institutions, humanitarian organisations, businesses and the public to urgently prepare for possible humanitarian crises, including floods and droughts expected to affect parts of the country.
Speaking at a news conference in Mogadishu, Hoosh said weather forecasts pointed to potentially difficult conditions ahead, while praying that the situation would prove less severe than predicted.
“We are informing the Somali people and everyone concerned with Somalia or contributing to its affairs that difficult conditions are being forecast, including floods and drought,” Hoosh said. “We pray to God that these conditions will be easier and more merciful than what is being forecast.”
Somalia is highly vulnerable to climate-related emergencies, with recurring droughts and floods frequently displacing communities, damaging infrastructure and worsening food insecurity. The government has increasingly sought to strengthen early preparedness and coordination as the country faces the possibility of another severe humanitarian crisis.
Hoosh praised the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), its leadership and staff for their preparations to respond to potential emergencies. He also appealed to wealthy Somalis, humanitarian organisations and countries supporting Somalia to contribute to preparedness and relief efforts.
The minister stressed that humanitarian agencies and government bodies must improve coordination and avoid fragmented responses in which different organisations operate independently during disasters.
He said SoDMA should take the lead in coordinating emergency response efforts to ensure that resources and activities are brought together under a unified system.
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“Coordination and proper management of this response should be left to the agency so that its effectiveness and benefit can be seen, and so that we work as one hand,” Hoosh said.
The minister also welcomed the establishment of a committee tasked with overseeing an emergency response fund, expressing hope that it would play an important role in preparing for and responding to the anticipated challenges.
Somalia's disaster preparedness comes as humanitarian needs remain a major concern after years of climate shocks, including severe droughts followed by destructive flooding. Such emergencies have repeatedly affected food supplies, displaced vulnerable communities, and placed additional pressure on already limited public services.
Hoosh thanked President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre for efforts to strengthen the country's preparedness for humanitarian emergencies. He also praised businesspeople and other members of the public who had visited SoDMA headquarters and expressed willingness to support relief operations.
The minister urged all Somalis, particularly those with the financial capacity to contribute, to take part in preparations and emergency assistance.
He said solidarity would be critical if the forecast conditions worsen.
“When hands come together, when people show compassion, and when the stronger hand gives what it has to the weaker hand, we will be able to overcome these difficult circumstances together,” Hoosh said.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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