Death toll rises in Ethiopian floods

(Addis Ababa, 3 May 2005): The number of confirmed dead and missing in Ethiopia continues to rise following the devastating floods that have submerged parts of Somali Region after the Wabe Shebelle river burst its banks overnight on 23 April. Thousands more remain homeless and emergency relief teams are hampered in their efforts to provide assistance as many areas remain inaccessible, communication is poor.

Following forty-eight hours of torrential rains from 23 April in the highlands of Oromiya and the lowlands of Somali regions, the Wabe Shebelle river burst its banks. This sudden inundation caused serious loss of human and animal lives, displacement of people and damage to crops, property, wells and road infrastructure.

To date, more than 100 people are reported dead while many more remain missing. Initial assessments confirmed about 21,000 households or 105,000 people have been affected and have lost houses and properties. More than 50,000 livestock have died. Some areas are unable to report damage yet because of communication problems. It is expected that number of people affected will continue to increase especially if rains continue.

The affected areas include West Imi, East Imi and Mustahil district in Gode and Afder zones. Other areas that have been affected by heavy rains include Korahae zone, in particular Kebridehar town, Degehabur, Kebribeyah in Jijiga zone and the IDP camps of Fafan and Hartsheikh. Other areas are likely to be affected as well but remain isolated.

The emergency response is largely hindered as roads leading to the affected areas are still under water. However, UN agencies, ICRC and NGOs present in the affected areas immediately offered limited assistance to the flood victims they could reach. OCHA is coordinating the UN interventions with the local authorities and the Federal Disaster Prevention & Preparedness Commission (DPPC), identifying priority areas and needs.

On 2 May, the Regional President said coping with the crisis was beyond the capacity of the region and appealed for urgent further assistance.

For further information please contact: Kirsten Mildren, OCHA Communications Officer, Tel: 251 1 444162 / 251 9641031 E-mail: mildren@un.org