Floods displace thousands in Gambella, regional gov’t calls for relief

 

Floodwaters impacted nine districts across the region, including the capital Gambella city (Photo: Gambella Communication Bureau/Facebook)

The Gambella area of Ethiopia has experienced severe flooding that has displaced thousands of people and severely damaged property, according to a report released on Tuesday by the region's information office. Nine districts around the region, including the regional seat Gambella city, have been affected by floodwaters from overflowing rivers.

 

The majority of people in the region live along rivers, according to Umod Umod, the regional president's representative and deputy head of the peace and security bureau, and flooding has been brought on by the overflowing of the Baro, Alwero, Gilona, and Akobo rivers as a result of heavy rainfall in the highlands.

 

Umod claims that the floods have severely affected all five districts in the Nuwer zone, including the regional capital Gambella. When water flooded portions of the city, residents of the 01, 02, 04, and 05 kebeles reported losing animals and belongings that were swept away by floodwaters. Residents warned that the swelling Baro River continues to carry a risk of greater harm and urged the government to offer both short-term and long-term remedies.

 

The head of the city's disaster prevention and readiness office, Klane Tut, stated that numerous attempts are being made to provide evacuees with shelter and made a plea to charitable organizations to support government relief operations.

 

Umod noted that evacuees from the inundated regions have been temporarily housed in dry locations and stated that attempts are being made to gauge the severity of the catastrophe so that the displaced may receive immediate aid. He advised the people to take precautions and urged governmental and non-governmental organizations to aid the flood victims, noting the possibility of additional devastation.

 

According to the UN, flooding last year that occurred in 12 Woredas and in the capital city of the Gambella regional state as a result of intense rains from early August to October affected 79,631 people (15,927 homes).