SODMA Urges Government-Media Cooperation Ahead of Forecast El Nino Rains
Somalia's National Disaster Management Agency is coordinating with media outlets to improve public awareness and early warning systems for upcoming El Nino rains. The initiative aims to prevent humanitarian crises by ensuring disaster alerts reach high-risk communities effectively.
Why it matters
Effective disaster communication is critical for mitigating the impact of climate-driven weather events in vulnerable regions.
Somalia, Aug. 2, 2026 – Somalia's National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) called on Saturday for closer cooperation between government and media to strengthen public preparedness ahead of forecast El Nino rains expected to begin in October, according to a statement issued after a national meeting. The meeting brought together communications directors from federal ministries and agencies, representatives of state and independent media, and government officials to discuss preparedness for the anticipated weather conditions. According to the statement, participants agreed that stronger cooperation between SoDMA and the media was needed to improve the delivery of early warning messages and increase public awareness of the risks posed by heavy rainfall. The statement said climate forecasts indicate that much of Somalia could receive above-average rainfall beginning in October, raising the risk of flooding, flash floods, displacement and other humanitarian challenges linked to climate change.
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