When it rains heavily in Mogadishu, some streets can quickly turn into pools of water. But why does this happen?
It’s not just because of heavy rain. The shape of the land, drainage conditions, rapid urban growth, roads, buildings, and other factors all play a role.
Some areas of Mogadishu are relatively low-lying, so rainwater can collect there more easily. In places where drainage is limited or blocked, the water may remain for hours or even longer.
As the city continues to grow, more land is covered by roads, buildings, and other hard surfaces. Instead of soaking into the ground, more rainwater runs across the surface and collects in low-lying areas.
🗺️ Where does GIS come in?
GIS helps us look at these factors together. By mapping elevation, slope, rainfall, land use, drainage, and other conditions, we can better understand where water is likely to accumulate and why.
This is the first step toward identifying urban waterlogging hotspots and supporting better drainage, planning, and climate resilience in Mogadishu.
The goal is simple: understand the problem, identify the hotspots, and help build a more resilient city.