ADDIS ABABA: The Amhara Regional Disaster Prevention and Food Security Coordinating Commission is taking comprehensive measures to protect over 469,000 residents from potential floods during the upcoming rainy season.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Director of Early Warning and Response of the commission, flood prevention efforts are being carried out by identifying areas historically prone to flooding. The Ethiopian Meteorological Authority has forecasted heavy rainfall in the coming months, highlighting the urgency of these measures. A budget of over 100 million Ethiopian Birr has been allocated for flood mitigation initiatives since March.
The prevention activities focus on the South Gondar Zone, particularly in the Dera, Limo Kemkem, and Fogera districts, as well as in the Central Gondar Zone around Gondar and the West and East Dembiya districts, along with the West and East Amhara areas. Birhanu emphasized that 22 urban administrations and districts have been identified as highly vulnerable to flooding based on comprehensive assessments. “The preparatory work will enable us to protect more than 469,000 residents who live in these at-risk areas and rely on social services,” he explained.
The flood mitigation efforts aim to safeguard 15,000 houses and 218,000 domestic animals from the impact of floods. The interventions include the construction of flood diversion dams and other preventive structures. Birhanu stressed the importance of community engagement, stating, “The community should not only assist in the existing flood protection works but also ensure their sustainability by maintaining them.”