UN helicopters to bring aid to Ethiopia's flood-hit Somali region

The United Nations is to fly tons of life-saving aid to Ethiopia's flood-hit Somali region on two helicopters. The two Mi 8 MPV helicopters are due to join the ongoing relief effort in the remote south-eastern region from Sunday November 26 onwards. "This will be a crucial, life-saving operation for the people of Somali region," said Paul Hebert, head of the UN OCHA, based in Addis Ababa. "UN agencies and other aid organizations are already in the middle of a huge relief effort. But we are still struggling to reach some of the worst-hit regions by road. "These helicopters will help us get to areas that have been severely affected by the flooding."

The two white helicopters are from the UN World Food Programme's Horn of Africa flood relief operation. Each helicopter will be clearly marked with the UN and WFP logo. They are due to arrive in Addis Ababa on Saturday and fly on to their temporary base in the Somali region town of Gode.

More than 140 tons of food aid, including cereals and corn soy blend has been sent into Gode by the Ethiopian Government since the floods started. UNICEF has also flown in vital drugs and medical supplies to combat the feared spread of acute watery diarrhea and other water-borne diseases.

Other UNICEF items currently being distributed across flood-affected areas include thousands of rolls of plastic sheeting, cooking sets, jerry cans and chemicals to treat drinking water. At least 80 people have died so far in floods in the Somali region since the end of October. More than 361,000 people have been affected by the disaster which has concentrated on The Lower Shebelle areas of Gode, Afder, Liben and Korahe zones.

The Ethiopian Government and humanitarian partners today issued a Flash Appeal for Ethiopia's flood devastated Somali Region, asking for approximately US$7 million for critical lifesaving interventions. The appeal will cover the cost of the helicopter transportation.