In Somalia, radio remains one of the most trusted and far-reaching sources of information in local languages and dialects that resonate with its listeners. It serves communities where literacy levels are low, and access to other channels of communication, such as television, print, and the internet, remains limited. Its accessibility through simple, battery-powered devices makes it indispensable, especially during crises, continuing to be a vital communication bridge. As such, local radio continues to play an important role not only in keeping communities informed but also in strengthening early warning systems and enabling collective action in times of disaster.
As the 2025 October-December rainy season approached, families living along the Jubba River braced for what they feared most: flash floods that have long led to widespread displacement, destruction of homes and farmlands, loss of livelihoods, loss of lives, and heightened risks of acute watery diseases. Yet this year marked a remarkable shift. Instead of panic, there was preparedness and coordination as a result of the growing power of early warning systems and community-based flood preparedness efforts.
Recognizing the transformative potential of local media in promoting community resilience, Nomadic Assistance for Peace and Development (NAPAD), in partnership with ActionAid, launched the Flood Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Project with support from Start Network. The project sought to strengthen early preparedness and response mechanisms among vulnerable flood-prone communities in Bardheere and Luuq districts.
NAPAD collaborated with three leading local broadcasters, including Radio Markabley, DAWA FM, and its online subsidiary Lafa Gari Media, to implement a dynamic multi-channel awareness campaign. Through a carefully coordinated series of radio talk shows, interactive discussions, informative jingles, and regular social media updates, the project ensured that life-saving messages reached households, pastoralists, and internally displaced families. These broadcasts encouraged communities to take proactive measures such as preparing emergency kits, storing dry food, relocating livestock to higher ground, and monitoring daily river water levels.
“We used to hear about floods when it was already too late,” said Mohamed Farah. “Now, when the radio says the river is rising, we know exactly what to do.” Another resident, Halima Matan from Bardheere, echoed the sentiment, saying, “The radio has kept us updated all the time. It made us prepare mentally and physically.”
DAWA FM and Lafa Gari Media connected with approximately 74,100 listeners across Luuq District and surrounding villages, sharing real-time updates, early warning alerts, and interactive discussions that allowed listeners to call in and share their experiences. Radio Markabley, through both local frequency and online streaming, reached over 91,200 listeners, extending the campaign’s reach beyond the immediate flood-affected zones. In total, more than 100,000 people tuned in to live discussions that featured local leaders, youth volunteers, and NAPAD’s technical staff as well as and short radio spots. These programs not only raised awareness but also delivered daily river level updates and step-by-step guidance to help community members take timely protective actions for their families, homes, and livelihoods.
To make these radio awareness efforts even more effective, NAPAD added special training programs through its Community-Led Flood Resilience and Early Warning Training. Conducted in both Bardheere and Luuq, the training brought together 20 youth volunteers from high-risk settlements and IDP camps such as Kaam Jirix, Bakaal, and Iftiin. The sessions equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to interpret early warning information, disseminate accurate updates, and promote essential Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices during emergencies.
Following the training, the volunteers carried out door-to-door awareness campaigns across IDP camps, sharing posters and simple, actionable messages in local language. Their engagement ensured that even the most vulnerable households, who might not have access to radio or social media channels, were reached with practical information that could save lives.
“Before, we only reacted when our homes were flooding,” said Habiba Mohamed, one of the trained youth volunteers. “Now we are helping our community act early and stay safe.”
Through this integrated approach, we are supporting families in Bardheere and Luuq prepare for and respond to floods. Today, households continue to properly store dry food, safeguard important documents, relocate livestock to safer grounds, and follow radio updates closely for any change in river water levels. Beyond individual preparedness, there is a growing sense of collective responsibility and trust in local early warning systems, proof that when people are informed, they are empowered to act.
This project has demonstrated that preparedness begins with awareness, and that awareness is most effective when delivered through platforms that people know, trust, and understand. In Somalia’s context, the radio remains a powerful force for change, amplifying local voices, driving early action, and turning communities that were once victims of floods into movers of their resilience.