Somalia adopted on Wednesday a national preparedness plan aimed at anticipating the potential impacts of the 2026-2027 El Niño climate phenomenon, expected in several East African countries.

According to the Somali news agency SONNA, the plan aims to strengthen the country’s capacity to deal with the potential consequences of the phenomenon, while improving coordination between the different levels of governance.

The plan places particular emphasis on strengthening early warning and risk monitoring systems. It also provides for measures to protect populations, livestock, agricultural activities, water resources and essential infrastructure.

Federal Government Deputy Prime Minister Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, who chaired the meeting devoted to approving the plan, stressed the need for coordinated mobilization of federal institutions, Federal Member States and local authorities.

He notably called for greater reliance on forecasting and early warning systems to enable early intervention in response to climate-related risks.

The official also urged the institutions concerned to ensure the rapid and effective implementation of the plan, with an emphasis on coordination, accountability and anticipation.

The decision comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) called on governments on Tuesday to strengthen their preparedness for the potential health consequences of El Niño. The organization estimates that the phenomenon could peak at the end of the year and rank among the most intense episodes ever recorded.