Torrential Rainfall Triggers Severe Flooding in Southwest Shewa Zone, Displaces Over 5,000 People

Strategic Insights -

The torrential rainfall over the weekend caused severe flooding along the Awash River in Ilu and Sebeta Hawas districts of the Southwest Shewa Zone in the Oromia region. Local officials reported that over 5,000 people were displaced, and more than 2,400 hectares of farmland were damaged. The Awash River overflowed at four points, inundating two kebeles, Werarso Kelina and Mulo Sexayie, forcing residents to evacuate. The displaced families from Ilu are currently sheltering in a school building in Taji town, while those from Sebeta Hawas have been relocated to Tullu Arara Primary School. Both officials noted that the support received from regional and federal actors remains insufficient given the scale of the crisis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 5,000 people were displaced due to the severe flooding along the Awash River in Ilu and Sebeta Hawas districts of the Southwest Shewa Zone.
  • More than 2,400 hectares of farmland were damaged, including crops and livestock.
  • The Awash River overflowed at four points, inundating two kebeles, Werarso Kelina and Mulo Sexayie.
  • The displaced families from Ilu are currently sheltering in a school building in Taji town, while those from Sebeta Hawas have been relocated to Tullu Arara Primary School.
  • The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute has issued warnings of continued moderate to heavy rainfall across various parts of the country throughout August.
  • The flooding in the Awash River is not the first time it has caused destruction to communities along its banks, with previous incidents in August 2021 and September 2020.

Statistics:

  • Over 5,000 people were displaced due to the flooding.
  • More than 2,400 hectares of farmland were damaged.
  • The flooding displaced residents from at least 240 households in Sebeta Hawas district.
  • The Ethiopian Meteorology Institute has issued warnings of continued moderate to heavy rainfall across various parts of the country throughout August.

Sources:

  • Addis Standard
  • Ethiopian Meteorology Institute (via X)
  • AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com)