Floods in Ethiopia
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
In November 2023, heavy rainfall affected southern and eastern Ethiopia, in particular the Somali Region, causing floods, flash floods and the overflow of some rivers. Overall, the devastating El Niño induced floods have impacted 1.5 million individuals. Among these, CARE International estimates that 632,700 people have been displaced, and 57 lives have been lost. The Somali region is bearing the brunt of this crisis with over a million residents affected. Additionally, the floods have claimed over 20,000 livestock, dealing a substantial blow to livelihoods and exacerbating the already challenging circumstances.
The affected communities are getting minimal supports from the local government and NGOs operating in Dollo Ado Woreda (district), but the response remains insufficient and does not reach all the affected areas. There is a large gap in the provision of essential services and assistance, such as food, water, cash, health, and nutrition. The most vulnerable groups, such as women, children, elderly, and persons with disabilities, are at risk of further harm and deprivation.
Humanitarian Response
Both CARE International and World Vision have a strong presence in Ethiopia. World Vision Ethiopia has been operating in the country for over 50 years, providing humanitarian and development assistance to the most vulnerable communities. CARE started working in Ethiopia in 1984 in response to severe drought and famine.
World Vision is Procuring and distributing basic lifesaving essential medicines, medical equipment, and supplies for 5 health facilities. A total of 25,000 people are expected to benefit from the distribution of medicines and supplies.
World Vision is also conducting public communication campaign to raise awareness for cholera, Malaria, measles and other communicable and infectious diseases, which ultimately helps in epidemic prevention and response.
World Vision Ethiopia is also ensuring the rehabilitation and maintenance of damaged water supply systems, with the aim of providing safe and adequate water access to 923 households.
CARE is procuring and distributing non-food items for water, sanitation, and hygiene purposes such as plastic jerry cans, plastic bucket and multi-purpose soap. The project is targeting 10,000 people (about 2,000 households). The project team is facilitating hygiene promotion activities focusing on proper hand washing, safe water management at household level, and proper use of sanitation facilities. Cholera prevention messages are also incorporated in the promotion activities.
CARE Ethiopia is sensitizing communities on gender-based violence and conducting training on gender-based violence and child abuse management, as well as setting referral pathways with the target of reaching 10,000 participants.
Further, CARE is also contributing to increasing the purchasing power of flood affected households to meet their basic needs through the distribution of financial assistance grants (in cash). Over 400 vulnerable households (2,070 individuals) will receive $139USD (equivalent to CAD186).
Our response to small and medium-scale disasters is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada, the member agency delivering the assistance, and donations to the Humanitarian Coalition. Your gift will help us be ready for the next disaster. Donate today.