Ethiopia: Update on Flooding (as of 24 May 2024)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Heavy rains in April and early May caused flooding in several districts across the country, particularly in Afar, Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, Sidama, Somali, South Ethiopia, and Tigray regions, according to the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC). More than 590,000 people are reportedly affected and some 95,000 displaced, based on preliminary reports.

The rains, and the unusually heavy wind accompanying the rainy season this year, have led to significant damage to houses, public infrastructure, and croplands. This has further limited the population’s access to services and deepened vulnerabilities, particularly in areas already affected by conflict and violence, prolonged drought, as well as pre-existing poor road infrastructure such as in Qubi in Erer Zone of Somali Region where roads are routinely cut off for almost two months.

The floods are also happening amidst ongoing disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria. Of 93 woredas reporting active cholera outbreaks across the country, the majority are in Oromia (30) Somali (24), and Afar (12) regions. Of special concern is the re-emergence of cholera in areas affected by hostilities in the northern Amhara Region, close to areas struggling with new displacements, according to the Health Cluster. Similarly, a high number of malaria cases with active outbreaks are reported from 1,397 woredas nationwide, the majority from Oromia (35 per cent) and Amhara (19). All regions are reporting malaria cases far above the emergency threshold.

The scale of the impact of the floods, including displacement and damage to public infrastructure and cropland will be further clarified once the ongoing and planned multi-agency assessments are completed.