Commission calls for concerted efforts to respond to drought situation in Somali, Oromia Regions

Addis Ababa, January 26, 2022 (FBC) – The National Disaster Risk Management Commission called for concerted efforts to effectively respond to drought situation in Somali and Oromia Regional States.

Communications and Public Relations Director of the Commission, Debebe Zewde exclusively told FBC that shortage of rainfall in the two regions resulted in drought condition that put livelihoods of many people at stake.

He said currently 2.4 million people in 9 zones of Somali region are in need of humanitarian support for they are exposed to drought situation.

He said WFP distributed 620,000 quintals of food grains from May to September and additional 524, 780 quintals of similar item from September to December 2021 to people affected by the drought in the region.

The Director also added that the government has distributed rice and other nutritious foods 964,806 affected people in Somali region.

Similarly, activities are underway to provide food aid to the people affected by the drought in Borena and Guji zones of Oromia State, he said.

Debebe also indicated that the government has distributed 14,760 quintals of food in first round and 9,351 in second round and additional 17,281 quintals of food grains were sent to more than 166,000 people in Borena Zone.

He said 7,566 quintals of food grains have been sent to 46,790 people in Guji Zone.

The Director also disclosed that 251,000 people are currently in need of assistance due to the drought in East Bale, adding that efforts are underway to respond to the situation.

He said the commission is working with the concerned bodies to provide the necessary support to the victims by establishing an emergency response coordination center in the two regions to prevent further risks calling for concerted efforts of stakeholders to avert the situation.