MOGADISHU – Somalia has launched a major national programme aimed at improving its ability to predict and respond to climate-related disasters, as the country continues to face recurring droughts, floods and extreme weather events.
The initiative, known as Advancing Early Warning for All (EW4ALL), is being implemented by the Federal Government of Somalia in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).
Backed by a $12.7m (£9.4m) grant from the Green Climate Fund, the project seeks to strengthen Somalia’s disaster preparedness systems and ensure that communities receive timely warnings before disasters strike.
Officials say the programme will establish a nationwide Multi-Hazard Early Warning System capable of monitoring and communicating risks linked to droughts, floods and other climate-related hazards.
Currently, only around 20% of Somalia’s population is covered by formal early warning systems. The new initiative aims to expand that coverage nationwide by 2030 while reducing disaster-related deaths by 42%.
Why does Somalia need an early warning system?
Somalia is among the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
In recent years, millions of people have been affected by prolonged droughts, devastating floods and food insecurity, with climate shocks placing additional pressure on communities already facing economic and humanitarian challenges.
Experts say effective early warning systems can save lives by providing people with advance notice of approaching hazards, allowing authorities and communities to prepare and respond before disasters occur.
The programme will be led by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA), working alongside federal ministries, regional authorities and international partners.
Focus on preparedness and coordination
The project will strengthen several areas of Somalia’s disaster management system.
These include improving weather and climate monitoring networks, upgrading forecasting technology, enhancing data-sharing systems and establishing clearer coordination mechanisms among government institutions.
Modern communication tools such as mobile phone alerts, warning sirens and community-based information networks will also be introduced to help ensure warnings reach remote and vulnerable populations.
“This initiative represents a critical step forward in strengthening Somalia’s national capacity to anticipate and respond to disasters,” said Dr Ahmed Abdi Aden, Deputy Commissioner of SoDMA.
“By investing in early warning systems and preparedness, we are shifting from reactive responses to proactive risk management, ultimately saving lives and protecting livelihoods.”
Dr Ismail Jimale, Head of Programme Development Unit at SoDMA, described the investment as essential for a country facing growing climate risks.
“Somalia is on the frontlines of climate change impacts, and investing in Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems is not a choice but a necessity,” he said.
Millions expected to benefit
Project partners estimate that around 1.2 million people will directly benefit from improved access to early warning services.
A further eight million people are expected to benefit indirectly through stronger disaster preparedness and risk reduction systems.
Special attention will be given to groups considered particularly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including women, young people, internally displaced people and rural communities.
Lionel Laurens, UNDP Resident Representative in Somalia, said the programme would help ensure that warning systems are accessible to those most at risk.
“By placing people at the centre of climate resilience efforts, this programme empowers individuals and institutions alike to anticipate, respond to and recover from climate shocks,” he said.
The Green Climate Fund also described the initiative as an important investment in resilience and climate adaptation.
“By strengthening multi-hazard early warning and early action, we are supporting communities and institutions to anticipate and act on climate risks before they escalate,” said Catherine Koffman, the GCF’s Regional Director for Africa.
Part of a global effort
Somalia is one of seven countries participating in the Advancing Early Warnings for All initiative, a global programme launched under a United Nations effort to ensure everyone on Earth is protected by effective early warning systems by 2027.
The project also supports Somalia’s National Early Warning for All Roadmap and broader development goals while aligning with international agreements on climate action and disaster risk reduction.
Officials say the initiative could mark a significant shift in how Somalia manages climate risks, moving from emergency response towards prevention and preparedness.
As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, they argue that timely warnings and early action will be critical to protecting lives, livelihoods and development gains across the country.
