APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) Heavy flooding in Ethiopia’s Gambella region has displaced thousands of residents and caused extensive property damage, the region’s communication bureau reported on Tuesday.
Floodwaters from overflowing rivers have affected nine districts across the region, including the regional capital Gambella city and washed away unspecified number of live stocks.
Umod Umod, the representative of the regional president and deputy head of the regional peace and security bureau, stated that most residents of the region liver along the river, and the overflowing of Baro, Alwero, Gilona and Akobo rivers due to heavy rainfall in the highlands have caused the flooding.
According to Umod, all the five districts of the Nuwer zone including the regional capital have been highly impacted by the floods. Residents in 01, 02, 04 and 05 localities are among the worst affected communities by the flood which washed away their cattle and possession.
The rising of the Baro river continues to pose a threat of further damage, residents said calling on the government to provide temporary and long-term solution.
The city’s disaster prevention and preparedness office Klane Tut said various efforts are underway to shelter evacuees and appealed to humanitarian groups to assist government relief efforts.
Umod pointed out that evacuees from the flood hit districts have been temporarily sheltered in safe areas and said efforts are underway to assess the extent of the disaster to provide emergency assistance to the displaced.
Noting the risk of greater damage, he urged the public to take precautions, and called on governmental and non- governmental organizations to support the flood victims.
According to the UN, 79,631 people were affected by flooding that occurred across 12 districts as well as in the capital of Gambella regional state.
MG/as/APA