Desert locust affects five regions as flooding displaces 220,000 people

Addis Ababa, October 19, 2020 (FBC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also stated on the parliament that desert locust swarms have affected parts of Amhara, Oromia, Tigray, Afar and Somali regions.

According to the Prime Minister, 420 ha of land have been devastated by the desert locust infestations in 240 woredas.

A team led by the Ministry of Agriculture worked to prevent damage in the first round, but a second locust swarm caused damage.

Efforts to bring in helicopters and drones have continued, the premier noted, adding that assembling patrol helicopters after they arrive in cargo has delayed intervention.

According to the Prime Minister, in addition to chemical spraying, the community must also intensify its efforts to eradicate locusts adding activities are under way to prevent the spread of the attack and threat of famine.

The disaster can be controlled to prevent more than 5% damage on productivity, he affirmed.

In order to solve the problem in a sustainable way, Ethiopian Airlines is working to strengthen its capacity to use small aircrafts, Abiy said, recommending strengthening green legacy as solution to prevent floods and locusts.

The Prime Minister also said floods have affected 600,000 people and displaced 220,000 from their residences in various part of the country.

“No one died as a result of the efforts of our defense forces. The long-term solution to prevent floods is to expand our natural resources.” the premier stressed.

The defense forces have contributed a lot in protecting the community from further damages caused by the flooding, he said.

On the other hand, the premier stated that extensive reform has been conducted to ensure that the Ethiopian peacekeeping force is based on a political and national ideology.

“The forces were well-trained and well-equipped. They are organized in a way that protects the sovereignty of the country under any circumstances.” he said.

The leadership was restructured and trained on situational analysis and alignment of power to provide appropriate guidance. Efforts have been made to build national capacity to prevent accidents, and if not to avert them easily.