OCHA:
"The mission
of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled
humanitarian action in partnership with national and international
actors in order to: i) alleviate human suffering in disasters and
emergencies; ii) advocate for the rights of people in need; iii)
promote preparedness and prevention; and iv) facilitate
sustainable solutions."
New flooding has been reported in parts of the
country in recent days, including in the eastern Amhara lowlands
bordering Afar, and in northern Somali Region. In North Wollo zone
(Amhara), regional and zonal government sources indicate that a
flood-induced landslide, prompted by heavy rains on 22 August,
claimed 19 lives and left 24 people injured and approximately
2,855 (571 households) displaced in Mersa woreda. In Oromia zone
(Amhara), some 8,864 people (1,565 households) have been displaced
in Arthuma Fursi, Kemissie and Dewa Cheffa woredas, including
4,658 people who evacuated to higher ground from five kebeles in
Arthuma Fursi woreda one week ago and remain inaccessible due to
surrounding flood waters. Disaster Risk Management and Food
Security Sector (DRMFSS) deployed a helicopter to the affected
area to conduct an assessment and provide emergency items
including high energy biscuits and medical supplies. Readily
available foods (flour and other nutrient-rich food stuffs),
sanitary materials and health supplies for a possible outbreak of
AWD, malaria and other waterborne diseases are among the
prioritized requirements. To date, floods have affected all zones
of Amhara except Awi zone and the number of affected and displaced
population is significantly increasing. A contingency plan
identifying US$ 6.8 million for life-saving emergency and recovery
interventions was issued last week, estimating some 270,000 people
could be affected by flooding in the region. Regional authorities
and humanitarian partners including World Vision, CARE, Food for
the Hungry International (FHI), Save the Children-UK, Concern,
OCHA, WFP and UNICEF are responding to the needs of the affected
population. FAO, together with partners, is organizing an
emergency seed distribution, as well as livestock health support.
In the Somali Region, fresh flooding reportedly
affected over 100 households in Ayisha woreda on 25 and 26 August.
Households displaced from Las-hadad kebele – the most affected
area – are temporarily staying at the elementary school in the
village. The floods also washed away the water system in Las-hadad.
Flooding has also been reported in Degago kebele of the woreda. A
rapid assessment team comprising the Disaster Preparedness and
Prevention Bureau (DPPB) and Save the Children-UK has been
deployed to the affected area. (Full
Story. . .
)
Health Update
According to the Federal Ministry of Health
(FMoH), 27 new cases of AWD (none fatal) were reported from Adola
(14 cases) and Shakiso (9 cases) in Oromia Region, and Yirgachefe
(2 cases), Gombora (1 case) and Dilla Zuria (1 case) in SNNPR
between 16 and 22 August. The Emergency Health and Nutrition
Research Institute (EHNRI), in collaboration with UNICEF and WHO,
continues to support regional response efforts. EHNRI together
with WHO deployed a team to Guji zone (Oromia) and Gedeo zone
(SNNPR) to support the RHBs in strengthening coordination and AWD
outbreak control activities. WHO also provided a two-day training
for health workers in Afar Region on emergency preparedness, and
supported the development of epidemic preparedness and response
plan. (Full
Story. . .
)
Food Security Update
According to WFP, the meher season crop
harvest looks promising given the good kiremt rains and
timely and adequate supply of agricultural inputs in most parts of
the country. The kiremt rains have also contributed to
regeneration of pasture and water sources in pastoral areas,
resulting in noticeable improvement in livestock body conditions
and products. Meanwhile, the launch of the revised Humanitarian
Requirements Documents, which will cover emergency needs for the
second half of the year, has been postponed until at least
mid-September. For more information contact:
(
