The Djiboutian government is strengthening its preventive measures in response to the risks associated with El Niño, which is expected to bring significant rainfall to several parts of East Africa between October and December 2026.
To anticipate the potential consequences of these rains, Interior Minister Omar Abdi Said convened an extraordinary crisis meeting on Sunday to coordinate preparations among the various services concerned.
The move follows the latest forecasts from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), which predict particularly heavy rainfall across several countries in the Horn of Africa, including Djibouti.
According to the Djibouti Meteorological Agency, El Niño could result in short but intense episodes of rainfall, potentially creating hazardous conditions within a very short period of time.
Djibouti’s highly arid environment is an aggravating factor. The country’s soils and drainage systems do not always have sufficient capacity to rapidly absorb large volumes of water.
In Djibouti City, heavy rainfall could therefore cause flooding, disrupt traffic, and damage homes and infrastructure. Roads, drainage networks, and certain public facilities are particularly vulnerable.
The economy could also be affected by severe weather conditions. Road transport could be slowed or disrupted, while port infrastructure and logistics chains could remain vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Health risks cannot be ruled out either. Heavy rainfall can lead to the contamination of some water sources and increase the risk of waterborne diseases.
The authorities are also mindful of a previous event that has heightened their vigilance. In November 2019, more than 400 millimeters of rain fell in just three days, causing severe flooding across Djibouti.