Move aims to strengthen national preparedness and response capacity as country braces for possible El Niño-linked floods during the Dayr rainy season.
MOGADISHU, Somalia – 27 June 2026 – Somalia has dispatched 25 federal and state disaster response officials to China for specialized training on flood prevention, preparedness, and emergency response as the country moves to strengthen its capacity to manage climate-related disasters.
The officials, drawn from the Somali Disaster Management Agency and relief ministries from Federal Member States, were officially sent off during a ceremony in Mogadishu attended by SoDMA Commissioner Mahmoud Moallim Abdulle and several state government ministers.
The training programme comes at a critical time as Somalia prepares for the upcoming Dayr rainy season, with authorities warning that increased rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon could trigger flooding and flash floods in vulnerable parts of the country.
Addressing the officials before their departure, Commissioner Abdulle urged them to uphold discipline, professionalism, and national responsibility throughout the training period.
He encouraged the participants to acquire practical knowledge and technical skills that would help improve disaster preparedness and response systems upon their return.
“The skills gained from this programme should be shared with relevant institutions to strengthen Somalia’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to disasters,” Abdulle said.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by Somalia’s disaster management authorities to enhance coordination, early warning systems, and emergency response mechanisms, particularly in addressing the recurring impacts of seasonal floods.
Somalia has in recent years experienced severe flooding linked to seasonal rains, affecting communities, infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods across several regions, highlighting the need for stronger disaster risk management systems.
