Floods deal ‘staggering’ blow to pastoralists recovering from Ethiopia’s long drought – UN
The United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) announced that floods across Ethiopia have severely impacted the recovery processes, particularly for livestock-dependent families,following more than 18 months of dry spells and poor rainfall induced by an El Niño drought phenomenon.
Estimates rose significantly in June, as updated reports from the Ethiopia’s National Flood Task Force show that close to 690,000 people are now likely be affected, with over 320,000 estimated to be displaced, said the agency in a report.
“These predictions may rise even further as these heavy rains come on the cusp of what some meteorological experts predict will be a significant La Niña episode – usually accompanied by heavy rainfall – starting as early as September 2016,” added FAO.
Particularly affected are the livestock-dependent households, as well over 55,000 hectares of land, much of it pasture, has been flooded, and thousands of livestock have died due to flash floods and landslides, brought on by the long-awaited belg or spring season rains, in regions such as Somali, SNNPR (Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region), Oromia, Amhara and Afar.
“Animal health is particularly at risk, and livestock experts have highlighted the crucial role of emergency on-the-ground health provisions such as vaccinations and treatments to prevent or mitigate the spread of disease in affected areas,” noted FAO.
The UN agency has appealed for $3 million to continue animal health campaigns into September 2016 as compounded impact of both the El Niño-induced drought and the recent floods have eroded coping mechanisms among households.
