Thousands of people displaced, due to severe flooding in the Somali region in East Africa
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
The UN stated that 67 people have been killed and estimate that over 200,000 have been affected. Over 1,000 cattle have been killed, which communities in this region rely on for income as well as food.
Initially Ethiopia was considered the worst hit, but the flooding could worsen in its neighbour Somalia.
Concern had existing projects in West Imi, Woreda district, Afder Zone, Ethiopia and in the Lower Shabelle River area of Somalia (coastal region near Mogadishu), and so responded quickly in areas that are otherwise difficult to access.
Food, medical supplies and shelter items have been sent and distributed to help the displaced in West Imi, Ethiopia.
In Somalia, Concern provided communities living near canals and the Shabelle river with sandbags and items to help shore up the embankments to minimise the risk of flooding. However, if conditions worsen, further intervention may be needed.
Concern's teams in Ethiopia and Somalia are monitoring the situation.
Background Information
Concern's work in the Lower Shabelle River region previously focused on education, water and sanitation and helping local communities to improve farming methods.
Concern has recently initiated a nutrition programme in West Imi, Ethiopia.
