Annan pledges UN aid to victims of Ethiopia’s floods

(17/08/2006)

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has pledged the world body’s continued support to Ethiopia as it works to assist victims of the recent floods that took the lives of more than 350 people and displaced nearly 20,000 others.

“The Secretary-General is deeply saddened over the loss of life and damage caused by the recent flooding in Dire Dawa and South Omo, Ethiopia,” his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said on Tuesday 15^th August, extending condolences to those affected and commending the Government for its rapid rescue operation of thousands of people marooned by the floods.

Mr. Annan reaffirmed “that the United Nations humanitarian and development agencies will continue to assist the national response to this disaster.”

Ethiopia’s Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA) has distributed more than 530 quintals of relief food and materials in flood-stricken areas in south Omo, as well as additional supplies of 40 quintals of grains and 11 quintals of vegetable oil. 25,000 rolls of plastic sheets, 1,000 blankets, 2,500 plastic trays, 2,500 cups and cooking utensils have also been distributed.

The UN World Food Programme has already distributed tents, blankets, jerry cans and plastic cups and plates to some of those struck by the floods while releasing enough rations to feed 10,000 people there for a month. The UN Children’s Fund is sending 2,000 family kits, which include buckets, soap and water purification tablets, to the affected area.

On 6th August, the Dechatu River burst its banks by as much as 200 metres on either side in Dire Dawa, while the Omo River and tributaries burst their banks a week later.

The Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency has opened a bank account for donations to help assist the victims of the recent floods. If you would like to make a donation, the details are:

For more information, click here.

ENDS