Mission Report on the Rapid Emergency flood assessment in Awash Woreda of zone
three Afar Region
Tamirat Mengistu (NHAO)
1. Introduction and Background
Awash is one of the thirty two woredas of Afar region. The woreda is further divided to 8
administrative kebelles. The woreda is generally distinguished as flood prone between the
periods of July to October. The flooding is normally caused by two reasons. First by the Flash
flood from highland parts of the region and neighbouring regions - Amhara; and secondly
from the outburst of the Kebena and Awash rivers.
Following the flood emergency report from Awash woreda Kebena Kebelle, a team
comprised of three members was mobilized to the affected woreda on April 3, 2015. The aim
of the mission was to assess the flood situation and its impact on the people and on the
livestock. Since the nature of the assessment was rapid, the team used simple assessment
tools such as key informant interview with woreda officials, discussion with the local flood
affected communities and field observation of the affected kebelles. The findings of the
mission are discussed as follows;
2. The current flooding and Affecting people
In Awash woreda Kebena Kebele Zone 3 of Afar region the overflow of Kebena River on 26
March flooded surrounding communities, affecting 600 people. The displaced people are
currently housed in temporary shelters. Moreover, the flood has displaced people from their
home, and poses health threats to the affected people. The extents of the damage are
discussed on the following sections.
2.1. Water Sanitation and Hygiene
Normally the defecation practice of the local community is open defecation. Even though
there are improvements towards latrine coverage in the region, the culture of using latrine in
the woreda is still very low. According to the RHB report the latrine coverage of the woreda
is only 50 percent. Therefore at normal times and during this emergency situation the flood
affected people are practicing open defecation. In fact during flooding the defecation is
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exposed to runoff and lead for rapid transmission of water related diseases. At the same time
the flood incidence has damaged no water supply schemes in the affected kebelle.
2.2. Health and Nutrition
Currently the general health condition of the affected people is normal. According to the
Woreda Health Office there is no disease outbreak occurred so far. However, there is a high
risk of transmission of WASH related disease among the community as they are using unsafe
water sources. On top of that the stagnant water has created convenient breeding site for
mosquito which subsequently may cause malaria outbreak in the area. As it has been reported
by the woreda health office and HEW of the affected kebelles the nutrition condition of the
children and women is stated as normal.
2.3. Food and Non-Food Item
The regional meher/Karma assessment conducted at the end of November, 2015 indicated
that the crops sown in the flood affected kebelles are damaged by the critical shortage of
meher/Karma rain. However, the current flooding incidence in this kebelle, make the people
more vulnerable to food shortages. The woreda distributed an advanced one month PSNP
food ration (cereal) for the flood affected people in the area. Emergence food need to be
provided to the 600 people flood affected households for one additional month.
As it has been observed during the field visit and discussion held with affected people the
onset of the flood was slow which did not damage their major household items. However,
since the people left their home and stay in the field with no proper shelter the following
items essential for the 50 percent of affected people to provide temporary shelter and
protection from the elements. These are plastic sheet, mosquito net, sleeping mat, blanket and
rope.
3. Recommendations


After discussing with the community and observing the site, the assessment team has
recommended Emergence food need to be provided to the 600 flood affected
households for one additional month and plastic sheet, mosquito net, sleeping mat,
blanket and rope to be provided for the 50 percent of affected people.
Hygiene promotion should receive due attention to make sure that the WASH supplies
are appropriately utilized and proper personal hygiene practices applied. In this regard
the HEWs deployed in the kebelles will conduct intensive emergency hygiene
promotion activities. The respective government offices and UNICEF will support
and follow up the activity.
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
To prevent malaria outbreak distribution of mosquito nets will have a significant role.
The RHB from its stock has agreed to provide the required quantity to the woreda for
immediate distribution.

The Regional DPFSPCO should follow up the food aid request for the meher/Karma
affected people of the region in general and for the flood affected kebelles in
particular.

Continuous monitoring and follow up is ongoing by all concerned partners to ensure
that the situation of this group of the population does not deteriorate further.
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