Ethiopia: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across the country as of Dec. 8 /update 3

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across many parts of Ethiopia as of Dec. 8. Heavy rainfall has been occurring 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 57 fatalities due to flooding and landslides. More than 1.5 million people have been affected and over 600,000 have been displaced across seven of the country's twelve regions. The worst affected area is Somali Region, which accounts for more than 80 percent of the affected population. The most substantial impacts in the region have occurred in Shabelle, Afder, Liban, and Dawa zones. Widespread damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure has been reported in affected areas; 24 main roads and bridges have been damaged across the region. Around 81,000 people have been displaced across South Ethiopia Regional State, with areas of South Omo Zone near the Kenyan border the worst affected. Tens of thousands of others have also been affected by flooding and landslides in parts of Afar, Gambela, Oromia, and Sidama regions. Increasing outbreaks of water- and insect-borne diseases have been reported in flood-affected areas. Further adverse weather is possible during the remainder of the Deyr rainy season through the end of December. Disruptions in flood-affected areas will likely persist as response and recovery operations continue and river levels remain high.

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.