Ethiopia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across Somali Region as of Nov. 8

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing in parts of the Somali Region as of Nov. 8. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing across eastern and southern parts of Ethiopia since early November and has caused rising river levels and widespread flooding. Authorities have reported at least 20 fatalities and more than 12,000 people have been displaced due to the flooding. Riverine communities, including along sections of the Ganale River, are the worst affected areas. The flooding has caused damage to homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in the affected areas. Further adverse weather is forecast in the region over the coming days. Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely persist as response and recovery operations continue and river levels rise.

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.

Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

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, evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

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.