OCHA Situation Report
Ethiopia
8 October 2007


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Flood Update

To date, an estimated 239,586 people have been affected by floods in 
Amhara, Afar, Somali, Tigray, SNNP and Gambella regions. In Somali 
Region, a joint government and humanitarian partners' mission conducted 
a rapid assessment in the flood affected woredas of Mustahil, Kelafo and 
Ferfer from 24-30 September. The mission reported that approximately 
48,300 people are affected, of whom 8,880 are displaced. The floods have 
also damaged farmlands and grazing areas. The team also reported that 
although the current level of the river is below that observed at the 
same time last year, an unusual change in the volume of the flow has 
been observed this year. The overflow also devastated kebeles that were 
not affected in the worst flooding of 2006. Access has also been 
restricted to some villages and this could be further aggravated by the 
forthcoming deyr season (rainy season). In addition, WHO reported that 
incidences of water borne diseases particularly Biliharzia have 
increased. The situation could further deteriorate due to the poor 
health and water and sanitation services in the region. Meanwhile, in 
Gambella Region, the Baro and Gilo Rivers flooded eight neighbouring 
woredas. The floods destroyed crop land and have further restricted 
access in the region. According to a recent OCHA mission, in Gambella 
town alone, an estimated 2,270 people have been displaced and are 
currently residing in five temporary shelters including schools and 
farmers' training centers. In Afar Region, although flood waters have 
receded, access to the flood affected woredas of Gewane and Bure Mudaytu 
remains challenging. For further information contact: ocha-eth@un.org & 
wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

Somali Region: Some Improvements Noted

The overall humanitarian situation in Somali Region appears to be 
improving, though serious humanitarian concerns remain.  Reports from 
the regional government officials note that commercial trade has been 
reinstated following the opening of four major trade routes including 
two in the North, one in the East and one in the Southeast. This has 
paved the way for the opening of informal smaller routes and slightly 
increasing the presence of commercial food in the region. The United 
Nations has been consulting with Government and partners on a range of 
humanitarian interventions which need to begin urgently.  The Government 
has shown support in beginning the implementation of activities in 
health, nutrition and emergency food assistance. Re-supply of ten health 
centers in the region by the Regional Health Bureau, supported by UNICEF 
has begun. Prices of basic food commodities, however, remain elevated. 
The deyr rains have commenced on time and it is anticipated that this 
will improve the food security situation. The dispatch of 9,632 tonnes 
of emergency food allocated for 530,000 beneficiaries by DPPA is ongoing 
from the previous allocation made in July. To date, dispatches have been 
finalized in Afder, Liben and Shinile zones and 73 percent of the 5,396 
tonnes allocated for Fik, Degehabur, Warder, Korahe and Gode zones has 
been dispatched. The remaining food will continue to be transported to 
the region. Forty six loaded trucks are currently awaiting escort in 
Dire Dawa. For further information contact: ocha-eth@un.org & 
wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

  Acute Watery Diarrhoea

A total of 120 woredas in six regions - Amhara, Oromiya, Somali, SNNP, 
Oromiya and Afar reported active cases of Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) 
during the week. Out of the reporting woredas, eight are newly affected 
- Munesa in Arsi zone, Oromiya Region; Dale in Sidama zone, Alaba 
Special woreda, SNNPR; Dalol in Zone 2, Afar Region; and Ankasha in Awi 
zone; Bahri Dar Zuria in West Gojjam; Hulet Eju Enesie and Machakel in 
East Gojjam zone in Amhara Region. Nationally, however, the timeliness 
and completeness of case reporting remains very low due to the lack of 
health professionals, poor communication systems and security problems 
in some areas. WHO still maintains seven consultants in the regions in 
response to emergencies, including AWD epidemic and flood response. In 
Tigray, the regional government has allocated 675,000 Birr for AWD 
response. The Regional Health Bureau has also deployed 12 health workers 
to assist affected woredas in AWD case management. In Afar Region, Oxfam 
distributed non-food items including jerry-cans and soaps; World Vision 
provided US$ 59,200 for drug procurement and staff training and 
supervision; Concern covered operational cost in Zone 3 and CARE 
distributed water guard and soap. Meanwhile, in Somali Region, UNICEF in 
collaboration with the RHB is currently supplying essential drugs, 
medical supplies, disinfectants and soap to selected woredas. For 
further information contact: who-wro@et.afro.int

HRF Mission Visits AKOBO, GAMBELLA

A recent OCHA monitoring mission to Akobo and other areas in the west of 
Gambella Region found that the humanitarian situation has been 
exacerbated by a lack of food, clean water, health clinics, and 
education. In Tiergol kebele, Akobo woreda, particularly the Government 
has yet to re-establish the education system with no school buildings or 
teachers. Moreover, there are no proper health clinics or medical 
services available in the village. Inaccessibility aggravated by the 
rainy season and consequential flooding, has hindered transportation and 
efficient levels of humanitarian assistance. Recommendations include 
stronger coordination by the regional government with UN and NGO 
partners, the distribution of food aid in Akobo and greater investment 
in public infrastructure. For more information contact: ocha-eth@un.org

TREE Locust Infestation in Afar Region

A tree locust infestation is reported in Zone 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Afar 
Region. The infestation affected Dubti, Assayita, Mille, Uwa, Awra, 
Yallo, Gewane and Magalle woredas and is currently spreading to other 
areas due to favourable wet conditions. A similar infestation also 
occurred in the region at the same time last year. The Pastoral and 
Rural Development Bureau should conduct a rapid assessment to identify 
its coverage and impact in order to ensure the required response. For 
further information contact: afardpfsb@yahoo.com

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