Author name: Himilo ICT System Support

A regular Humanitarian Coordination Meeting was held this morning at the hall of the Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB). The meeting was attended by partner government offices and humanitarian organizations operating in the region. During the meeting, a report was presented on the current drought situation and the ongoing efforts being undertaken to respond to the drought. After listening to the report, participants discussed the government’s ongoing interventions to address the drought situation. It was also agreed that the ongoing activities should be further strengthened by both government institutions and humanitarian organizations. Finally, the Deputy Head of the DRMB, Mr. Abdifatah Mohamed Abdi, delivered remarks regarding the overall drought situation. He noted that the current situation in the region requires close monitoring and the strengthening of ongoing response efforts. He also highlighted that the region is entering the upcoming spring (Gu’) rainy season, which is expected to be favorable. However, he emphasized the importance of preparedness for potential impacts of the seasonal rains, particularly in areas that are prone to flooding. He also stressed the need to share early warning messages with communities and ensure that all necessary preparedness measures and services are put in place in advance.

A regional leadership team overseeing winter response activities in the Shabelle Zone visited Elelle District this morning. During the visit, the delegation held meetings with the district administration and reviewed the ongoing service delivery and response efforts taking place in the district. The visit aimed to closely monitor the winter situation and strengthen coordination to ensure effective support for the affected communities.

The monitoring and support team for the winter situation in the regions of Korahay, Dollo and Shabelle, which is currently carrying out its assigned tasks, continued its work in Shabelle Region, reaching the districts of Adadle, Elele, Dhanan, Goday and Berano. The team first met with the Shabelle Regional Administration, accompanied by the coordinators of development offices, who provided them with information on the conditions of the districts, the level of preparedness for the winter situation, the districts’ response plans and the activities already accomplished. Afterwards, the team proceeded to visit and closely observe the conditions in the districts, particularly in relation to water supply, livestock feed and food availability. The team also met with the district administrations and the Disaster Risk Management Committees, providing support as well as guidance and advice on how to strengthen preparedness and the response plans that districts are implementing to address the winter situation, in order to reduce the impact of the winter conditions on both people and livestock. The team also participated in the distribution of livestock feed and food assistance in order to observe the progress and effectiveness of the response to the winter situation. Finally, the team held a large coordination meeting with humanitarian organizations operating in Shabelle Region, where it was agreed that the organizations should strengthen their efforts and develop plans to address existing gaps or delays in order to provide timely assistance to communities, as the winter situation continues to worsen. The organizations also expressed their readiness to respond to the winter situation.

Today, the Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB) of the Somali Regional State received a donation of 15 water pumps for irrigation, which were officially handed over to the Bureau and received by the Head of the Office,  H.E. Ahmed Yassin Sheikh Ibrahim. The donation was provided by the National Disaster Risk Management Commission. The water pumps are intended to support the livelihood restoration and rehabilitation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been resettled in Iimay-Beri District, enabling them to become productive communities, reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance, and move towards self-reliance. The significant efforts made by the Regional Government in recent years to find durable solutions for displacement have encouraged donors and federal-level partners to play their role in supporting the livelihood recovery of resettled communities. Finally, the Head of the Bureau welcomed and appreciated the valuable donation and stated that the pumps will be quickly delivered to the intended locations. He also encouraged partners and stakeholders to further strengthen the implementation of durable solutions programs for displaced communities in the region.