(18-08-23) MOGADISHU – As Somalia braces for intense rainfall and potential severe flooding due to El Niño, there’s a united front in response. on Wednesday, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Kingdom Embassy in Mogadishu initiated a £3.8 million Anticipatory Action and Preparedness programme, aptly named “Badbaado”, translating to “to salvage from calamity”.
Current data indicate a 90% likelihood of El Niño persisting throughout the year, which could result in a once-a-century flood event, building upon earlier floods that uprooted approximately 245,000 people this year. To address this, the programme will bolster the Shabelle River’s defences in Beletweyne and pre-position 800,000 sandbags in areas most at risk.
Etienne Peterschmitt, FAO’s Representative to Somalia, highlighted the urgency of timely interventions. Meanwhile, Damon Bristow of the British Embassy emphasised the UK’s dedication to safeguarding lives and livelihoods against this looming threat.
With a forward-thinking strategy, the collaboration seeks to protect communities, livestock, and infrastructure from the anticipated deluge. Advanced warning systems will be put in place, disseminating alerts via radio and SMS to the local residents.
Halqabsi News
