Ethiopian government and humanitarian partners issue Flash Appeal for flood-stricken Somali region

ADDIS ABABA, 23 November 2006 -The Ethiopian Government and humanitarian partners today issued an Emergency Flood Appeal for Ethiopia's flood devastated Somali Region, asking for approximately US$7 million for critical lifesaving interventions including helicopter transport of relief distributions.

"This appeal is vital to save lives and restore the livelihoods of the flood victims through immediate and medium term rehabilitation interventions" Ato. Simon Mechale, Director General, Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency said,"It is important to note that the long term needs are yet to be assessed and must also be addressed once the full extent of damages is known"

Since the end of October 2006, the Somali Region of Ethiopia has been devastated by heavy flooding caused by torrential rains. The Lower Shebelle areas of Gode, Afder, Liben and Korahe zones were affected resulting in extraordinary loss of life, displacement and damage to infrastructure, livelihoods and property. The number of flood affected population is 361,000, of these close to 122,500 people are displaced and 80 people have lost their lives.

The United Nations has immediately stepped forward by applying for more than US$ 2.5 million to the relief effort through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). As part of the UN response, two MI-8 helicopters from World Food Programme Horn of Africa Flood Relief Operation will be deployed in Gode and will be tasked to provide relief to communities made inaccessible by the floods.

Among other things, the Appeal calls for critical items as blankets, plastic sheeting, cooking pots, and essential medical supplies for 122,500 displaced whose homes have been inundated by the flood waters.

The Government of Ethiopia and the United Nations remain especially concerned about the possibility that opportunistic diseases such as malaria, polio and acute watery diarrhoea may overwhelm vulnerable flood affected populations.

A key element to combat disease will be emergency water and sanitation interventions including the rehabilitation of damaged water infrastructure.

Much of Somali Region already receives emergency food assistance and DPPA in collaboration with WFP have been providing ongoing food relief. The flooding has also gravely affected the area's livestock population which constitutes a vital source of livelihood in the region. The United Nation's Food and Agriculture Organisation is working vigorously to assist the government to provide farmers with seeds to replant lost crops. Moreover, FAO and government are working to prevent imminent livestock disease with a comprehensive vaccination and treatment campaign.

For further information, please contact:

DPPA 251 11 5518050

UNOCHA 251 11 5444162