05 Apr 2023 | 10:36 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across central and southern regions as of April 5
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across central and southern Ethiopia as of April 5. Mass displacements and casualties reported.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in various locations across parts of central and southern Ethiopia as of April 5. Following a prolonged period of drought, heavy rainfall since mid-March has resulted in flooding across parts of the Afar, Oromia, and Somali regions. The flooding has caused widespread damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in the affected regions, as well as causing casualties and mass displacements. Parts of the Somali region are the worst affected areas, with around 200,000 people affected in the Afder, Fafan, Liben, and Shabelle zones. Authorities have reported 29 fatalities and widespread damage associated with the floods in these areas. Around 27,000 people also have been affected in the Borena zone in the southern Oromia Region and around 12,500 people have been displaced in the Awash Fentale, Bure Mudaytu, Dubti, Gewnae, and Mille districts of central and southern Afar Region. Officials have also warned of possible flooding due to rising levels in the Omo River in the Dasenech District of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ (SNNP) Region.
Disruptions in flood-affected areas will probably continue for some time as response and recovery operations are ongoing. Further flooding is likely during the remainder of the Belg rainy season through May.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
