Flooding was reported from Dasenech and Nayngatom woredas in South Omo zone of SNNPR in mid-September. Initial reports indicate that some 15,000 people in Dasenech woreda and 1,600 people in Gnangatom woreda, all living along the Omo River delta, have been affected. Some 840 people have reportedly been evacuated to safer areas using emergency boats.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that flood waters have largely subsided in Amhara Region and communities have started to return to their homes. More than 95 per cent of the estimated 70,000 people displaced by floods in Habru and Kobo woredas of North Wollo zone are reported to have returned to their villages. However, the affected communities continue to require support to recover from the impact of the floods, particularly in the area of livelihoods support, and specifically, seed provision.
The risk of further flooding remains elevated in flood-prone areas of the country: the latest National Meteorology Agency forecast anticipates continued above-normal rains in western, southern and southwestern parts of the country through the end of September. Three major dams (Lake Tana in Amhara, Koka in Oromia and Gilgel Gibe in SNNPR) are reported to have reached their maximum levels, posing high flood risks for downstream communities. The Ministry of Water Resources reports that alert messages have been transmitted to the concerned regions and communities to take preparedness measures.
Federal and regional level response and preparedness activities also continue. The National Disaster Prevention Committee, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, and which was reactivated in early September has developed a draft flood response and contingency plan for the coming three months. For more information, contact: och-eth@un.org