| Gardho, Puntland — 17 September 2026 — The Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in partnership with Free Press Unlimited (FPU) under the DANWADAAG Programme, has concluded a two-day Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Gardho focused on strengthening disaster-risk management, public awareness and early-warning communication ahead of the 2026 Deyr season and anticipated El Niño-related risks. Held on 16–17 September 2026, the forum brought together Gardho District Council members, Directors of the Social Affairs and Planning Departments, DRM representatives, media practitioners, women and youth representatives, environmental volunteers, and MAP to strengthen preparedness, coordination, and risk communication, while promoting practical, locally coordinated measures to help communities anticipate and respond effectively to potential climate and disaster risks.  The forum was convened at a critical time ahead of the Deyr season, amid concerns over wetter-than-normal conditions and increased flood risks during October–December, including in Puntland. Against this backdrop, discussions focused on the importance of early preparedness, continuous monitoring, timely information and coordinated action. A central theme of the forum was El Niño preparedness and the need for concerted public-awareness efforts ahead of the Deyr season. Participants discussed how DRM institutions, local authorities, media and community actors can work together to ensure that risk information is translated into practical messages that people can understand and act upon. Officials from the Gardho DRM Unit briefed participants on the district’s preparedness efforts and underscored the importance of sustained awareness campaigns. They emphasized the value of using coordinated communication channels to reach communities with relevant information ahead of potential climate and disaster risks.  MAP Chairperson Mohamed Dahir Warsame emphasized the critical link between preparedness and public information: “Preparedness is not only about what institutions do when a disaster occurs; it is also about what communities know before the risk becomes an emergency. The media has an important role in helping people understand early warnings, risks and preparedness measures, but this requires timely and reliable information.” The forum further highlighted the media’s role in preparedness-oriented reporting, including coverage of emerging risks, early warnings, preparedness measures, institutional responses and practical actions available to communities. The participation of women, youth and environmental volunteers brought valuable community perspectives, while discussions among DRM stakeholders, local institutions and media identified opportunities for stronger coordination and sustained public awareness. The two-day forum concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening risk communication, coordination and community preparedness, contributing to MAP’s wider DRM advocacy and position work under the DANWADAAG Programme. END ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ END                 |
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