Source: ACT International ACT member, the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus Development Social Services Commission (EECMY-DASSC), reported three administrative districts in the Gambella Regional State are severely affected: Lare, Itang and Abobo. In Lare, two children were killed and 11,879 people displaced due to the flooding. The floods have also killed 133 livestock, damaged 1,494 hectares of maize and 360 hectares of sorghum, and destroyed 300 grass-thatched houses. The flash floods in Itang have killed one person, and have resulted in the displacement of more than 12,000 people. A total of 600 houses and household properties are reported to have been destroyed. In Abobo, the floods have submerged 2,406 hectares of maize, of which 827 hectares is completely destroyed. In addition, 89 hectares of sorghum, 269 hectares of sesame and 13 hectares of peas have also been damaged. The displaced population in these areas are extremely vulnerable without shelter, food, safe and potable water, sanitary facilities and clothing. Threats of communicable and water borne diseases are also a concern. The humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate as a result of the floods with more rainfall expected in the region in the coming weeks. Although the World Food Programme (WFP), International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Ethiopian Red Cross (ERC) and two other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have a presence in the region, so far, only one has mobilized its humanitarian response. The NGO has provided 200 quintals of maize to the affected population, while the Ethiopian Disaster Prevention and Food Security Department has supplied 25 cartons of oil and 400 quintals of Famix to the affected population in Lare, and 10 cartoons of oil and 200 quintals of Famix to Itang. UNICEF has announced that it will supply medical supplies such as drugs through the regional Health Bureau. The assistance provided so far is far from adequate and does not cover all the flood-affected communities.

Planned activitiesThe ACT Ethiopia Forum, on the basis of the preliminary information it has received from the region, is planning to set up an assessment team. The team jointly with the East and West Gambella synods of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus and local government partners is expected to visit the region from August 27, 2008 to carry out a rapid assessment in the flood affected areas. On the basis of the findings of this assessment, the ACT Ethiopia Forum may submit a request for a Rapid Response Fund to the ACT Coordinating Office to enable the members in Ethiopia to address the immediate needs of population affected by these floods. DanChurchAid is a member of ACT International - a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies.