ERCS Provides Assistance To Flood Victims

Dr. Solomon Ali, DSG for Branch and Resource Development, handing over NFIs to the flood victims Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) provided non food items assistance worth of over birr 400,000.00 to 780 household victims of heavy rain flooding accident in Sankura Woreda of Silte Zone in SNNP state on July 17, 2013. During the Non-food items (NFI) distribution to victims, Dr. Solomon Ali, DSG for Branch and resource development of ERCS expressed his condolence and said that the National Society is always ready to respond to calls of victims in such catastrophes. Since the National Society is of volunteers and members, developing volunteerism and membership drive within the community would help boost the capacity of ERCS to urgently respond to such disasters, Solomon added. However, in the long run, the communities themselves shall develop their own resilience capacity supported with indigenous methods, he recommended. Sankura Woreda Administration Office Head Shemsu Haji Fetemo on his part said that, although four kebeles were hit by the flood 40 days before intervention, the National Society has responded within less than a week of time since assistance is officially requested. He also said that the flood which killed a child and 129 domestic animals caused for displacement of 780 family heads and their family members and washed away over 480 hectares of land covered by different crops. Muzie Yesuf one of the victims in Kore kebele said that, following the flooding his children have sought refuge to neighbors and relatives. Houses were devastated and their crops wiped out. A number of animals have also died. Owing to the tragedy, many people have been exposed to hardship. He also appreciated the Ethiopian Red Cross Society for its urgent response providing them NFI. Silte Zone Ethiopian Red Cross Society Branch Office Head Muhaba Hussien on his part noted that, although the assistance is not congruent with the need, ERCS handed out to its level best capacity. In related development, ERCS has provided NFI assistance to heavy rain caused flooding victims of over 842 family heads and their family members residing in Oromia state, Bishoftu and Wolenchiti city administrations of East Showa zone. For more please check the link below: http://www.ethpress.gov.et/herald/index.php/herald/society/3465-timely-response-to-recurring-disasters