Ethiopia begins moving people out of flood risk areas

Addis Ababa, May 12, 2016 (FBC) –The government of Ethiopia has begun moving people out of flood risk areas, said Getachew Reda, Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) Minister.

He said floods which occurred in various past of Ethiopia have so far claimed the lives of 100 people.

Despite government’s necessary preparations, the floods which are parts of the El Nino weather phenomenon, caused damages in the country. It is a natural disaster, he said.

Based on weather forecasts by the Ethiopian metrological agency, several works are underway, including relocation of people from high-flood risk areas, Getachew noted.

In a related development, the Minister said the government has continued distributing food aid in a large scale in areas hit by drought.

Successful aid delivery works were carried out even by using heavy trucks from the ministry of defense, he added.

Regarding children recently abducted from Gambella regional state by South Sudanese Murle tribe, the Minister said the government has given priority for the safe return of the children.

After that, those responsible for the attack will be brought to justice, he added.

Of the 125 children kidnapped last month, 29 were returned home so far.