Disaster prevention

In a region severely affected by 
climate change, our alliance 
organization ADRA is helping people 
in Ethiopia and Somalia protect 
themselves against natural disasters, 
particularly flooding along the Shebelle 
River. The project strengthens local 
disaster preparedness through proactive 
relief measures and the development of 
early warning protocols. At the same 
time, it promotes cross-border 
cooperation to jointly identify risks 
early and protect affected communities 
more effectively. This includes 
establishing local early warning systems, 
training authorities and community members, 
and stockpiling relief supplies. 

The project is being implemented under the 
Welthungerhilfe Anticipatory Humanitarian 
Facility (WAHAFA) funding program, which 
supports local humanitarian organizations.

Why Early Action Is Necessary 
The Shebelle River stretches for approximately 
1,820 kilometers through Ethiopia and Somalia. 
It originates in the Ethiopian Highlands, flows 
southeast through Somalia, and eventually 
empties into the Indian Ocean. The river is 
both a vital source of water and a recurring 
threat. In the Somali Region of Ethiopia and 
the Hiiraan Region of Somalia, sudden and 
heavy rainfall frequently leads to flooding. 
Recurring floods destroy farmland, homes, and 
infrastructure, cause livestock losses, and 
exacerbate existing social and economic tensions 
caused by drought and conflict. Disasters 
endanger lives and have long-term impacts on 
livelihoods. Therefore, early action is 
essential, rather than reacting only after a 
disaster. 

How ADRA Organizes Early Action 
ADRA has been active in Somalia and Ethiopia for 
many years, providing education, livelihood 
building support, and emergency relief. Disaster 
preparedness is also part of these efforts. 
In previous projects, ADRA supported communities 
and authorities in regions such as Shabeellaha 
Hoose and Maroodijeh in identifying drought risks 
and planning preventative measures. Current 
initiatives aim to strengthen and coordinate local 
disaster management systems in Somalia and Ethiopia 
through proactive action and early warning systems. 
Authorities, local organizations, communities, and 
research institutions in both countries are working 
together to identify potential flooding along the 
Shebelle River early on and prepare appropriate 
countermeasures. This coordination helps to better 
protect human lives and reduce property damage.

Development of Early Warning Protocols and Indicators
Floods do not respect political borders, which is why 
cross-border cooperation is essential. ADRA supports 
communities and authorities in Somalia and Ethiopia 
in reducing shared flood risks associated with the 
Shebelle River. In both project regions, early warning 
protocols are being developed in collaboration between 
local organizations, authorities, and flood-affected 
communities. A cross-border working group, which 
includes our partner organization ADRA, promotes 
coordination and knowledge exchange among experts 
from various disciplines. Based on historical flood 
data and scientific analyses, critical thresholds are 
defined to predict disasters and assess potential 
impacts. River level monitoring is one example: once 
predefined thresholds are reached, warning signals are 
triggered and early warning protocols are activated to 
inform vulnerable communities in a timely manner.

Establishment of a Cross-Border Early 
Warning System and Emergency Planning
Early warning indicators are monitored on both sides 
of the border, in parallel with the continuous 
collection of weather forecast data. Village committees 
regularly exchange information to better assess 
developments along the river. Responsibilities are 
clearly defined between community members and 
authorities to ensure coordinated and effective action 
in the event of an impending disaster. Emergency plans 
are developed to provide timely assistance before flooding, 
including evacuation to safe shelters and the provision 
of food and drinking water. Training programs conducted 
by our partner organization ADRA enhance the skills of 
staff, authorities, school personnel, and local partners 
to assess risks and respond effectively. Furthermore, 
ADRA produces informational materials and provides 
recommendations to policymakers to promote the 
institutionalization of proactive measures in disaster 
preparedness systems and the allocation of sufficient 
funding.

Thank you for your kind donation!