Anticipating El Niño: A mitigation, preparedness and response plan (August 2023 – January 2024)

This document gives an overview of proposed preparedness actions to take in view of an approaching El Niño climate event in Somalia. This event has the potential to negatively affect 1.2 million people in Somalia this year, action must be taken now to protect lives and livelihoods.

Riverine communities in Somalia are most at risk, an estimated 1.5 million hectares of land are at risk of flooding - anticipatory action can prevent the worst. With timely support and information, rural communities in rain fed and riverine areas can replenish water sources and boost food security following five consecutive seasons of poor rainfall. There is a short window of opportunity to intervene and prevent a large-scale humanitarian disaster – it’s not too late to take action.