Hassan Istiila
Friday September 29, 2023
Mogadishu (HOL) - The Governor of the Banaadir Region and the Mayor of Mogadishu, Yusuf Hussein Jima'ale Madaale, has urged the residents of the capital to prepare for El Niño rains, which could potentially cause floods during the rainy season spanning from October to December.
The mayor made this announcement during a visit to the National Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) on Thursday, where they deliberated Mogadishu's preparations for the anticipated heavy rainfall.
"Recently, there was a 40-minute downpour that significantly impacted the city's residents. This was attributed to the city's growing number of buildings and the sewer system's poor quality. If rain continues for more than 40 minutes, one can only imagine its adverse effects on Mogadishu and its inhabitants," Mayor Madaale remarked.Yusuf Madaale further warned people residing in low-lying areas affected by previous rainfall to prepare for the impending rains in the coming weeks. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to respond swiftly to El Niño rains in Mogadishu.
Recent rains have already caused damage to roads in Mogadishu and affected the internally displaced people.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Center (ICPAC) has stated a greater than 80 percent likelihood of wetter than usual October to December rains across the Horn of Africa, particularly in southern Ethiopia, Eastern Kenya, and Southern Somalia. ICPAC warned countries in the region to expect torrential rains and possible flooding.
"We have now entered El Nino conditions, which for eastern Africa are synonymous with wetter conditions during the October-November-December season," said Guleid Artan, the director of ICPAC.
In Somalia, drought resulted in the death of 43 000 people in 2022, according to the World Health Organisation, with May flash floods displacing 250 000 people.
