NEws: Heavy rains cause flooding in Somali, Gambella regions

Addis Abeba, Oct. 09/2019 –Areas along the Baro River bed flooded following heavy rains, 353 households displaced On 2 October, heavy rainfall in Gambella Town has led to the overflow of Baro River, flooding areas along the river bed. Heavy rains and flooding are common during the major rainy season (July-August), but it is not a common occurrence during the months of September and October.

The flood was reportedly more severe compared to previous years. The Gambella Region Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Food Security Agency, in collaboration with international partners, conducted an assessment on 3 October to identify humanitarian needs.

According to the assessment team, at least 353 households (1,405 people) were displaced across five kebeles, and their houses were fully flooded, and their livelihoods destroyed. The Gambella Town Administration requested the support of partners, to provide two-months food rations and non-food items for the displaced people, as well as for the sustainable rehabilitation of the affected population.

2,285 households affected and 853 households displaced following floods in Somali region

Heavy rains in parts of Somali region and neighboring highlands caused flooding in Kalafo, Mustahil and Bercano woredas (Shabelle zone); Dolo Ado woreda in Liban zone and Cherati woredain Afder zone. Flash floods also occurred in Babile(Fafanzone) and Elweyne (Nogob zone). Preliminary reports indicate that 2,285 households (13,710 people) were affected and 853 households displaced. The majority of the displaced (800 households) are in Dolo Ado Town, while the remaining 53 households are in Cherati Town.

Homes were destroyed;1,041 hectares of cropland flooded and 987 heads of livestock killed from the floods. The Somali Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Bureau (DPPB) has already dispatched four trucks of food and non-food items to Shabelle zone, including 600 quintalsofrice, ES/NFIsfor 500 households, 600 quintalsof maize and 20 bundles of clothing. Urgent additional supplies are in need particularly in the ES/NFI, Food and WaSH sectors. Meanwhile, the Shabelle River level had reached a high of 11.5 meters as of 7 October, pausing a risk of further flooding in the lower Shabelle areas; requiring swifter prevention and preparedness measures.

The Regional DPPB is preparing to establish an Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Gode to coordinate the flood prevention and preparedness efforts for the southern zones; while a zonal-level Flood Taskforce will be reactivated in Dolo Ado. The regional taskforce in Jijiga will oversee overall coordination and resource mobilization. UNOCHA