IGAD warns of El Niño risks as Horn of Africa braces for heavy rains

A man uses a rope to pull a container from flood water after heavy rains flooded a quarry in Kamulu, Nairobi County, Kenya on March 6, 2026.

Photo credit: Reuters

Horn of Africa’s regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has warned that the upcoming El Nino season could be both a source of relief and risk, ahead of the expected heavy rains for the remainder of 2026.

In an advisory on Tuesday, it said the Greater Horn of Africa will have wetter-than-normal conditions in the final three months of 2026. It warned that governments and communities should prepare for the benefits and possible disasters.