What is El Niño?
El Niño is a climate phenomenon caused by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Although it begins far from Africa, it strongly influences weather patterns in Somalia.
Effects of El Niño in Somalia
1. Heavy Rainfall
During El Niño years, Somalia often receives above-normal rainfall, especially during the Deyr rainy season (October–December).
This can lead to:
- Flash floods
- River flooding
- Waterlogging
- Damage to homes and roads
2. Flooding of Rivers
The two major rivers in Somalia:
- Shabelle River
- Juba River
may overflow because of heavy rainfall in Somalia and neighboring countries such as Ethiopia.
Floods usually affect regions like:
- Hiran
- Middle Shabelle
- Lower Shabelle
- Gedo
- Jubaland
