Recent floods in Ethiopia have significantly impacted 1.5 million individuals, resulting in the displacement of over 600,000 residents from their residences, as per reports by UN humanitarian authorities on Thursday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted that the Somali region constitutes 80 per cent of the severely affected population, encompassing areas in the South East, Gambela, Oromia, Afar, and Sidama regions.
Describing the aftermath, OCHA stated, “The floods have inflicted substantial damage to crops, livestock, and essential infrastructure. Residential buildings, businesses, schools, and agricultural lands are submerged, heightening health risks with an uptick in cholera, malaria, and dengue fever cases.”
Humanitarian groups emphasized the prolonged challenges faced by numerous individuals, coping with five consecutive seasons of severe drought in the Horn of Africa.
OCHA mentioned that UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov, along with Ethiopian officials and representatives from United Nations and non-governmental organizations, conducted visits to flood-affected areas to evaluate the situation and strategize on augmenting relief endeavors.
“The United Nations and our partners are actively aiding the government’s response by offering food, shelter, water, sanitation, and logistical assistance,” the office affirmed. “Apart from reinforcing logistical capabilities, there is a pressing need for increased funding, extending beyond immediate humanitarian aid, to assist communities in adapting to climate change.”
Highlighting the current status of funding, OCHA disclosed that the Humanitarian Response Plan for Ethiopia, calling for approximately $4 billion, has only garnered one-third of the required funds, totaling $1.3 billion.
