District administrators in Bulo Marer, Somalia, led by the Deputy District Commissioner, Muhidin Kharif Alio, have teamed up with Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), to mitigate the likely effects of floods in the area.
The resolution was made during a meeting that was attended by the ATMIS troops of Bulo Marer forward operating base, where it was resolved that a nine-member joint disaster management committee comprising personnel from ATMIS, the Somali National Army, and district leaders be set up.
The committee was also entrusted with carrying out disaster preventive and mitigation actions, communicating potential mitigation measures, and enhancing security measures in order to stop Al-Shabaab activities.
Mr. Muhidin Kharif Alio emphasised the importance of improving drainage systems and opening up water channels before the rainy season starts.
“As a committee, we need to swiftly request resources from humanitarian organisations and even ATMIS to open up channels before the rains,” Muhidin Kharif stated.
Severe flooding is expected to occur in Somalia, particularly in the area of the Juba and Shabelle river basins. Three months of persistent rain are predicted.