Roha media daily Ethiopian news on October 25, 2022. The data shows a significant increase from the number of affected people released by Gatbel Mun, disaster risk management bureau head of the Gambella regional state, who said in August that more than 74,000 civilians have been displaced due to floods in eight districts of the regional state. “Large parts of Gambella Region are prone to perennial river and flash flooding. The major rivers, Akobo, Alworo, Baro (Open), and Gilo and their tributaries, often burst their banks during the rainy season and flood communities along the riverbanks, causing loss of life and livelihoods, displacing people and leading to waterborne diseases,” the UN said. Flooding caused severe damage in the region in April-July 2021, which displaced some 11,749 residents. According to the UN, the displaced people are in a dire situation, taking refuge in substandard and overcrowded shelters such as schools and health facilities or out in the open air. The IDPs rely on wild plant leaves and roots to fill the food gap. Assessments also revealed that 72 percent of cropland was damaged (mostly the staple maiz; on average, eight percent of livestock e reportedly died, mostly poultry. Destruction of properties and social infrastructure is also rampant.
