Ethiopia - Situation Report, 26 Apr 2024

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Ethiopian Government and partners are monitoring the flood situation during this belg season (March to May) to prepare and mobilize resources for any response required.

  • Renewed clashes in February to April between Afar and Somali-Issa communities have displaced several thousands; peace talks ongoing amid intermittent clashes.

  • Sudan conflict marks one-year anniversary with about 122,500 people having fled to Ethiopia since April 2023.

  • At the High-Level Pledging Event in Geneva on 16 April, Member States pledged more than US$600 million towards urgent humanitarian needs in Ethiopia.

Situation Overview

Flood contingency planning update.

Humanitarian partners, led by the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC), have put in place flood preparedness and readiness plans for the belg rainy season (March -- May), including identification of high flood-risk areas in Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Somali, and Southern regions. A shortfall in funding and resources, however, are preventing the prepositioning of supplies.

In Somali, over 1.2 million people are expected to be flood-affected and 773,000 to be displaced across Afder, Liban, Korahe, Erer, Dawa, Jarar, Nogob, and Shebelle zones. In the southern regions, approximately 145,000 people are anticipated to be affected, with 64,000 displaced in South Ethiopia (SE), Central Ethiopia Region (CER) (64 households displaced in Halaba and Siltie in early March), South West Ethiopia (SWEP), and Sidama regions. In Oromia, around 421,000 people are projected to be affected, with 104,000 displaced across Borena, Guji, West Guji, Bale, East Bale, Arsi, West Arsi, East Shewa, West Hararge, and East Hararge zones. Accordingly, about 350 people (24 households) in Shala and Berbere districts of West Arsi and Bale zones of Oromia respectively, were reportedly displaced and about 24 houses (Shala) destroyed following normal to above normal rainsduring 27-31 March. In Afar, about 83,000 people are likely to be affected, with 61,000 displaced across several zones. Partners and donors visiting Afar recognized that in addition to immediate humanitarian assistance, leveraging efficient early warning systems and traditional flood alerts can improve water management and food security, benefiting farming and livestock livelihoods. In Amhara, roughly 45,000 people are expected to be affected, with 3,000 displaced in North Wello, South Wello, and the Oromo special zone. Also in Tigray, an estimated 4,000 people are expected to be affected, with 1,000 displaced in southern and southeastern areas.

Some areas are reporting the impact of heavy rainfall and flooding. Accordingly, in the Shewa Robit district of North Shewa Zone, 446 households whose properties and farmlands were destroyed following heavy rains and flooding on 25 March require NFI and agriculture seed assistance, according to the district Disaster Risk Management Office. In Arsi Zone of Oromia, reports also indicate that the overflow of the Awash River in April has significantly impacted several households in Merti district. Furthermore, Jeju district in the same zone was affected by floods and windstorm with reports of an unknown number of displaced households.

Generally, response so far has focused on reactivating Regional Flood Task Forces, assessment of flood preparedness and readiness (and dispatches to some risk areas), and mapping of resources. Additionally, the Somali Disaster Risk Management Bureau (DRMB) reported the prepositioning of 1,200 metric tons (MT) of food to flood-risk areas in Afder and Shabelle zones, while 60 MT of food have been dispatched to seven districts in Shabelle. The Government has also prepositioned over 9,000 non-food items (kitchenware, plastic sheets, sleeping mats, and blankets) sufficient for 9,175 families. The regional DRMB confirmed availability of logistics support (food trucks and 10 functional boats) and a need for generators and maintenance of six other non-functional boats.

Amid shortage of funds, partners are monitoring the flood situation in collaboration with the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission, and actively mapping resources as the need for financing becomes increasingly urgent to facilitate the required response.