ReliefWeb

Flooding Update

The National Meteorological Agency (NMA) forecast for August and September indicates that western parts of the country are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. With the ground fully saturated by the on-going kiremt rains, water levels in rivers and dams are expected to increase, elevating the risk of flooding, including in areas around Lake Tana and the Rib River (South Gondar), Gilgil Abay River (Western Gojjam), and the Dirma and Megech rivers (North Gondar) of Amhara Region, around the lower stream of the Omo River in SNNPR (areas also prone to landslides), and in East Shewa, East Harerge, Bale, Borena and Jimma zones of Oromia. As a result, the Government Disaster Risk Management and Food Security Sector (DRMFSS) has prepared a Flood Alert, with precautionary recommendations including providing early warning information for flood-prone communities, enhancing communication between highland and lowland woredas, strengthening protection structures, preparing evacuation plans and prioritizing pre-positioning of food and non-food items for floods response.

Nearly two weeks of heavy karma (July to September) rains have caused serious flooding and damaged livelihoods in Gewane woreda of Afar region according to the findings of a joint assessment conducted by the regional Disaster Prevention and Food Security Coordination Office, Save the Children UK and the local NGO Afar People’s Development Association (APDA). Approximately 5,000 people have reportedly been affected by the flooding, having suffered loss of shelter and household items, crops and some livestock. The overflow of the Awash River has also increased the risk of water-related disease outbreaks. Among the assessment team’s recommendations are for provision of food, shelter, water and health services to the affected people, including distribution of insecticide treated nets (ITNs), as well as strengthening of the woreda early warning committee and enhanced community awareness raising.

For more information, contact: infodrmfss@dppc.gov.et