The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is launching an emergency appeal for 941,000 Swiss francs (US$ 793,500 / € 571,600) to support the Ethiopian Red Cross Society's response to severe flooding affecting parts of the country.

Overflowing rivers and torrential rains have resulted in massive destruction of crops and food supplies. Many people also lost their livestock.

According to UN figures, at least 138,000 people have been hit by the floods across the country. Some 7,200 families have been driven from their homes. The South Nations and Nationalities People's Region (SNNP) and the Gambella region are the most affected. According to the regional branch of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, at least 40,000 people have been hit with over 8,000 people displaced in the Gambella region alone.

Further flooding is also expected in the western parts of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Red Cross volunteers and staff have been mobilized and are responding to emergencies in all areas.

The situation has been further aggravated by a rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea.

According to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, some 3,680 cases had already been reported last month in the Oromia region, also affected by the floods. At least 63 people died. "As a result of the excessive rainfall and floods, many families have been temporarily displaced and forced to seek shelter in poor quality settlements with very little sanitation facilities," explains Niels Scott, the International Federation Operations Coordinator for Africa. "This situation could lead to a dramatic increase in the number of cases," he adds.

The operation covered by the appeal aims at assisting more than 42,000 people for the next six months. It includes the transport and distribution of non-food items such as 5,000 jerry cans, 10,000 mosquito nets, 10,000 blankets and 5,000 tarpaulins. At least 10 acute watery diarrhea kits for up to one thousand people are being brought to the affected area as well as water purification tablets. Temporary latrines will be built and information campaigns will be organized for local communities to help prevent further cases. Longer-term needs such as helping local communities to return to a normal life and re-establish their coping mechanisms will also be provided.

The International Federation already allocated more than 99,600 Swiss francs (US$ 84,000 / € 60,700) from its Disaster Relief Emergency fund to cover immediate needs. It works closely with other partners including the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN agencies.