Focus on Ethiopia - Aug 2007

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE:

- REGIONAL OVERVIEW

- REVIEW OF EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS IN PASTORAL AREAS

- UPCOMING & ONGOING MEETINGS

Focus on Ethiopia is produced by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), in collaboration with other UN agencies and partner NGOs. Focus on Ethiopia provides a monthly overview of humanitarian trends and activities in Ethiopia, as well as focusing on particular issues of interest. Send comments, suggestions and contributions to ocha-eth@un.org

REGIONAL OVERVIEW

AMHARA

During the month of August, flooding affected approximately 42,850 people and displaced 12,571 in ten woredas in five zones, according to the region. New cases are being reported in flood affected areas.

The Regional Food Security and Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau (FSDPPB) reported that floods damaged a total of 20,300 hectares of cropped land.

Affected woredas include Libo Kemkem and Dera in South Gondar zone; Quara and Dembia in North Gondar zone; Artuma Fursi, Dewa Chefa, Jille Timuga and Kemissie town in Oromiya zone, Kobo in North Wollo and Antsokia Gemza in North Shoa. Flood water coverage has increased this year with occurrences of flooding in traditionally non flood prone woredas such as Quara in North Gondar zone. According to WFP, the number of displaced is increasing daily in Libo Kemkem and Dera woredas of South Gondar Zone. This is putting pressure on available shelter space and has increased fears that high congestion in some shelters could amplify communicable diseases.

In order to mitigate the severe impacts of flooding witnessed last year, the region has ensured better preparedness through timely circulation of early warning messages. As a result, precautionary measures including relocation of people and livestock to higher ground were undertaken.

A Regional Flood Contingency Plan identifying emerging humanitarian needs was developed during the month. The Regional Emergency Coordination Forum and regional and woreda level sectoral taskforces have also been reactivated to coordinate response. Woreda officials are closely monitoring developments in flood prone areas.

Humanitarian Response is ongoing by both government and humanitarian partner. Food and non-food items have been provided by the Regional FSCDPO and Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERC). In addition, DPPA dispatched 244.1 metric tonnes of food based on the region's request for assistance. In addition to pre-positioning four boats for rescue efforts, UNICEF deployed four experts in Bahir Dar, capital of Amhara Region, to provide technical support. UNICEF also provided 371,305 water purification sachets and 4,575 bottles of water guard for more than 5,500 people for two months. Two EMWAT kits and 4,109 jerry cans were also dispatched.

AWD cases were reported in four zones in six woredas - Dawa Chefa; Kemissie, Artuma and Dawa Hariwa woredas in Oromiya Zone; Habru, Gubalafto and Kobo in North Wello zone; Metema in North Gongar zone. According to WFP, 823 and 97 cases respectively were reported from Habru and Gubalafto woredas while 148 cases were reported from Metema woreda. UNICEF has provided four CTC kits and ten essential drug kits as well as 990,000 ETB to support the region's effort in control and prevention. WHO has also assigned one consultant and has allocated 89,099 ETB to support the Regional Health Bureau (RHB).

There has been an increase in dog bites in two kebeles in Ayina Bugina woreda, North Wollo Zone. Approximately, 240 people have been bitten by stray dogs leading to four suspected rabies deaths. The last case was reported on 6 August. A total of 230 stray dogs have been killed by local authorities as part of rabies prevention activites. Anti-rabies vaccines have also been supplied by the Federal Ministry of Health (MoH) with WHO support. The zone, however, does not have the storage facilities available for the vaccines so they are currently stocked in Dessie Hospital in South Wollo zone.

Despite adverse weather conditions reportedly stunting the growth of crops in some parts of the region, the 2007 meher season rain has, in general been favorable for crop planting and development. Reports indicate that the rainfall situation has been satisfactory especially in mid and lowland areas during the month; as a result most crops are at their normal growth stage. Sorghum and Maize are at growth and grain filling stages, wheat and barley are at late growth, pulses are flowering and teff is at the seedling stage.

The physical condition of livestock is poor in most areas of the region due to a shortage of grazing lands compared to the number of livestock. Reports indicate that a considerable amount of livestock deaths were attributable to Pastrolosis and sheep pox disease outbreaks in Gishe (North Shoa), Mekdela (South Wollo) and Delanta (North Wollo) woredas. A shortage of veterinary personnel has been a major challenge for disease control in these areas.

The price of staple crops and livestock showed an increasing trend during the month. High cash inflow into woredas, poor market supply and anticipation of higher price has contributed to the increment.

Two DPPA-led teams conducted rapid verification assessment missions in 13 woredas in five zones in response to reduced 2006 meher and 2007 belg crop production. As a result, emergency assistance for 95,468 people was recommended from the 15 percent PSNP contingency fund as well as an additional 690 metric tonnes of emergency food aid. Emergency food assistance was also recommended to for 10,154 beneficiaries.

Moreover, over 3500 metric tonnes of targeted supplementary food has also been distributed to 126,806 children under five and lactating women identified as malnourished during the recent Enhanced Outreach Strategy (EOS) screening.