Garowe (KAAB TV) – This morning, the city of Garowe, the administrative capital of Puntland State of Somalia, witnessed a large public gathering as residents, government officials, and religious leaders came together to pray for rain.
The event, held at the Mire Aware Stadium, followed a formal directive from the Puntland government calling for a public prayer (Duco Roob Doon) — a traditional Islamic prayer seeking rainfall and divine mercy during times of drought.
Hundreds of residents from across Garowe filled the stadium at dawn, responding to the call by religious leaders and local authorities.
The collective prayer comes at a time when the Gu’ (autumn) rainy season — which typically brings crucial rainfall between September and November — has been significantly below average this year.
Meteorological forecasts and local observations have confirmed that much of Puntland has received far less rainfall than expected, raising concerns over water shortages, livestock conditions, and the availability of pasture in rural areas.
Government institutions, schools, and many private businesses temporarily suspended their operations today to allow employees and students to participate in the prayers.
The Puntland Ministry of Religious Affairs coordinated the event in collaboration with local mosques and community organizations, emphasizing the importance of unity, faith, and collective supplication during difficult climatic periods.
In a statement released yesterday, Puntland officials urged all citizens to join in prayer and repentance, expressing hope that God will bless the land with rain, prosperity, and relief from hardship.
Religious leaders in attendance also reminded the congregation of the spiritual and environmental significance of rain, encouraging continued acts of charity, environmental stewardship, and compassion for those affected by drought.
This initiative reflects a longstanding Somali cultural and Islamic tradition of Roob Doon (Rain-Seeking Prayers), which are held during periods of extended dry weather.
Similar gatherings have been organized in other towns across Puntland in recent weeks, underscoring the widespread concern about the declining rainfall and its impact on both rural and urban livelihoods.
As the rainy season nears its end, residents remain hopeful that these collective prayers will be answered, bringing much-needed relief to the region and restoring balance to Puntland’s fragile ecosystem.