Addis Abeba – Flooding caused by the overflow of the Awash River has displaced thousands of people across West and Southwest Shewa zones, destroying crops, killing livestock, and leaving displaced residents in urgent need of aid.
In Ilu district, Southwest Shewa Zone, a 25-year-old man, Gerasu Lata, died after being swept away while attempting to retrieve household items from his flooded village. His body was recovered the following day and buried at Medhanialem Orthodox Church in Taji.
Heavy rains on 1 August triggered floodwaters that swept into rural kebeles, forcing families to seek shelter in schools and higher ground. In Taji town, displaced residents described losing entire harvests and stored grain. “The flood destroyed six quintals of seeds and killed one of my oxen,” said Tadu Legesse, a mother of eight from Mulo Sattayi. “So far, apart from receiving some blankets, we have not received regular aid.”
Another resident, Biri Bedada, said she and her five children are surviving only with the help of wealthier neighbors. Leta Sima, who lost crops planted over four hectares, urged the government to build a dam to prevent similar disasters, noting that “water from 24 tributaries reached our area.”
Local media reported that the flooding has also spread to West Shewa Zone, displacing more than 1,700 households in Ejere, Ejersa Lafoo, and Walmera districts. The Southwest Shewa Zone Agriculture Office said a task force has been formed to assess the damage and will release its findings soon.
