The climate of Garowe is arid. The highest rainfall received in Garowe town averages 51mm and occurs in May. Mean annual rainfall is estimated at 108mm. The city lies at an elevation of 450 m above sea level. Temperatures range from 14oC to 34oC.

Garowe city is located between two wadis -ephemeral riverbeds that contains water only during rainy seasons – Deyr (October to November) and Gu (April to June).

The Togga Garowe, to the north, is the larger river, and it is visible for some part of the year during rains. With steep, high banks it has traditionally constituted the limit of the urbanized area, but in the last five years development has progressed also on its northern side. The new area is connected to the rest of the town by only one bridge.  It presents some topographical relieves, and many ministries have been clustered on the top of a hill.

The other dry riverbed, Lan Alifrin, forms the southern limit

of the built-up area. The zone between the two wadis is relatively flat and construction has grown in time in a orderly manner.

The dry soil that characterizes the area, with poor absorption ability, cause the runoff of heavy rains to collect in gullies and streams and, as they join to form larger volumes, often form a fast-flowing front of water and debris. Over the past decade, the steady development of the town especially around the Lan Alifirin stream have altered considerably the natural waterways, which are no longer draining storm water to traditional outlets.

Given this condition, and the continuous urbanization that is undergoing in Garowe, the city faces a significant risk due to a number of environmental threats, which are summarized in the following page. The implementation of strategies to uphold resilience is essential.

Water scarcity and flood risk

Agricultural land and soil contamination

Due to unregulated and uncontrolled pumping of groundwater there is a high risk for ground water table and regeneration of aquifer resources. More indepth studies are required to address this challenge.

The less permeable surfaces associated with urban development results in increased storm water runoff volume and peak discharge, which is evidenced by chronic flooding and degraded water quality.

As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged immediately or left untreated.

There is no proper drainage network plan other than the natural streams which conflict with the road infrastructure at some points. This results in directly flood related problems. at multiple locations

In addition to the direct flood related problems, a solid waste management system should go hand in hand with the sustainable operation and maintenance of drainage systems and their hydraulic structures to prevent any risk of blockages.

Fencing and vegetation clearing by overgrazing have a negative environmental impact which in turn affects the farming and grazing land as it causes soil erosion, deforestation, reduced rain fall, and droughts.

As a result, exposed and loosened soils can be washed downstream, resulting in gulley formation and badlands.

Erosion of the Togga Garowe is becoming critical in many points and constitute a hazard for the structure along the riverbed banks which must be addressed urgently.