Ethiopia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of Nov. 21 /update 1

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Ethiopia as of Nov. 21. Heavy rainfall has been ongoing across much of the country since October, with eastern and southern regions worst affected. The heavy downpours have caused rising river levels and widespread flooding in many areas. Authorities have reported at least 43 fatalities due to flooding and landslides and more than 760,000 people have been affected. The worst affected areas are in Somali Region; 33 of the fatalities have occurred in this region. More than 600,000 people across the region have been affected and around 240,000 have been displaced. Widespread damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure has been reported in affected areas. Around 81,000 people have also been displaced across South Ethiopia Regional State, primarily around the overflowing Omo River. More than 67,000 people have been affected in parts of Oromia State, including around 1,600 displaced persons in West Guji Zone and around 900 displaced persons in East Bale Zone. More than 13,000 people have also been displaced in parts of Afar Region around the Awash and Kebena rivers. 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.