Somalia flash floods trigger Super El Niño warnings

Heavy rainfall in Mogadishu, Somalia, has triggered widespread flash flooding, paralyzing public transport and disrupting essential services. The intense downpours, linked to an emerging Super El Niño, have already impacted the Ariif Health Centre, an International Rescue Committee (IRC)-supported facility. IRC teams are currently assessing damage to the clinic and its ability to continue serving patients.

The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has placed 29 districts across 14 regions on high alert for riverine and flash flooding. Forecasters predict a more than 90% chance of above-normal rainfall across central and southern Somalia between October and December, with some areas potentially receiving over 400 millimeters of rain.

Authorities have warned that if the Shabelle and Juba rivers break their banks, flooding could devastate numerous towns and villages. This follows a 2023 flood event that displaced 1.2 million people. SoDMA and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change are working with international partners to strengthen emergency preparedness and flood prevention as the Deyr rainy season approaches.