Ethiopia- 2 August 2024 – The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has launched an emergency appeal for 6 million Swiss Francs following a series of devastating landslides, floods, and storms that have struck Southern Ethiopia. The appeal will support the Ethiopia Red Cross in responding to the urgent needs of the most vulnerable communities affected by these relentless disasters.

Mohammed Omer Mukhier, IFRC Regional Director, states, “The trail of devastation left by the landslides, floods, and storms is overwhelming and has affected thousands. Our teams are working around the clock, but the sheer scale of this crisis means we urgently need more support to reach everyone in need.”

Ethiopia is grappling with its deadliest landslide to date, with 236 confirmed fatalities as of 30 July. Rescue operations continue, and subsequent mudslides have worsened the situation, striking rescuers and aid workers, leading to a rising death toll. Over 15,515 people are affected in the region, with 6,750 in Koncho Gozji Kebele and 7,765 in Koncho Wiza Kebele. More than 5,600 individuals urgently need evacuation to safer areas due to the ongoing threat of further landslides, fuelled by incessant rains.

Since the onset of this disaster, the Ethiopia Red Cross Society has been at the forefront, providing emergency relief, conducting search and rescue operations, and delivering essential services to those affected. However, the scale of the crisis has severely strained resources, necessitating urgent support to enhance response efforts.

Also Read: UAE Floods: Salute to Swift Medical Responses

Getachew Ta’a, Secretary General, Ethiopia Red Cross Society, emphasizes, “Our teams are on the ground supporting search and rescue efforts under challenging conditions. The unforgiving terrain and relentless rains have hampered the use of heavy machinery, complicating rescue efforts. This means using basic tools to search for missing persons, forcing rescuers to dig through the mud with their hands, shovels, and axes.”

The Ethiopian Red Cross has dispatched emergency supplies, including food, water, sanitation, and hygiene items, emergency shelter kits, and essential household items. Additionally, they have deployed personnel and assets to conduct detailed assessments and coordinate with local authorities and humanitarian partners.

The persistent heavy rains and landslides have heightened the risk of disease outbreaks such as malaria, cholera, and dengue. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent a public health emergency. The South Ethiopia region has already reported 288,124 malaria cases and 3,246 measles cases with six deaths this year.

Paula Fitzgerald, IFRC Head of Country Cluster Delegation, Ethiopia and Djibouti, says, “The scale of the disaster needs immediate international support. We need more resources, more hands, and more global solidarity to prevent further loss of life and to help these communities rebuild and recover. We will equip communities, so they are better prepared for disasters, so this never happens again.”

The 6 million Swiss Francs emergency appeal will enable the Ethiopian Red Cross to support at least 25,500 people affected by landslides and windstorms in the South Ethiopia region.