Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin

2 March 2015

The dry season reaches its peak, water shortages increase The number of woredas experiencing severe water shortages increased nationwide as the dry season reaches its peak in belg/gu/ganna/sugum rain-receiving areas. The belg Key Issues: (mid-February-May) rains have not yet started, delaying belg crop planting as well as pasture regeneration and replenishment of water sources. The gu/ganna/sugum rains in  More investment is the lowlands of Afar, and Somali regions are expected to start in mid-March. The needed to repair non- lack of water is exacerbated by the large number of non-functional water supply systems functional water in drought-prone areas. Additional woredas will likely face water shortages in the coming supply systems in weeks should expected rains not come. drought-prone areas of the country. Reported Water Shortages Region Zone Woreda  The 2015 Afar Zone 1 Dubti, Elidar, Kori Humanitarian Zone 2 Afdera, Berhale, Bidu Requirements Amhara Waghemira Sehala, Sekota, Document is with high Government officials North Gonder Belessa for endorsement. Oromia Arsi Jeju, , Borena Arero, Dire, Dilo, Miyo, Moyale, Taltale, Yabello  Gambella regional East Hararge Kumbi, Meyu, authorities established East Shewa Fentale a committee to further Guji Gorodola, Liben, Sebaboru assess the viability of West Hararge Burka Dimtu, Hawi Gudina the two camp sites identified by ARRA in West Arsi Shala, Siraro mid-January 2015. SNNP Alaba Special Alaba Gurage Mareko, Sodo  The Ethiopian Red Sidama Boricha Cross launched an Silte Lanfuro, Sankura appeal for US$ 1.1 South Omo Benatsemay, Dassenech million to boost the health service in Wolayita Kindo Kovisha Gambella. The project Somali Liben Deka Siftu will benefit 34,365 Nogob Salahad, Lagahida, Qubi South Sudanese Expected Water Shortages refugees and host Tigray Central Tigray Kola Temben, Tahtay Maychew communities. Eastern Tigray Erob, Klite Awalalo North Western Tigray Tahtay Adiyabo Southern Tigray Raya Azebo Western Tigray Kafta Humera

At present, twelve water trucks are providing clean water in Borena and West Hararge zones (Oromia) and two water trucks are operating in Elidar woreda of Zone 1 (Afar). In Somali region, 23,646 people in drought-affected Legahida and Salahad woredas still await water trucking support. The Federal WaSH Taskforce called an extraordinary meeting on 2 March to discuss the findings of the joint needs assessment in Borena and Guji zones (Oromia). Meanwhile, the Somali WaSH Cluster is completing a rapid assessment to verify the reported water shortages in Deka Siftu woreda. Similar assessments are planned in other affected areas.

The Government, with partners’ support, continues to construct new and to rehabilitate non-functional water supply systems. In the past week, the Ebo multi-village water supply scheme in Raya Azebo woreda (Tigray), an area traditionally affected by severe water shortage, was officially inaugurated. The scheme will benefit 27,000 people. In Oromia and SNNP regions, UNICEF is discussing with the Regional Water Bureaus to immediately start rehabilitation of water schemes in drought-affected and flood-affected areas, respectively. For more information, contact [email protected]

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