ReliefWeb

Weather Outlook

According to the National Meteorological Agency (NMA), western Amhara and parts of Gambella and Beneshangul Gumuz Regions, as well as the south-eastern lowlands of the country are expected to receive light rains this week, while most of SNNP and Oromia, and parts of eastern Tigray and Amhara Regions should receive near-normal rainfall in the third week of March. The remaining belg-receiving parts of the country are likely to remain dry this month. The belg (mid-February to May) rains are already one months late in Oromia and SNNP Regions, and over a month late in Amhara Region. The belg are the major rains for the southern and south-eastern lowlands of Ethiopia and important for the production of short-cycle crops and preparation for planting of long-cycle crops in central highland areas. For more information, contact dadimoswon@yahoo.com

WASH Update

Over the past weeks, increasing needs for water trucking were reported from chronically water-insecure parts of the country. The highest demand came from Oromia Region, with 43 trucks requested (up from 29 trucks two weeks ago) to address water needs of some 495,255 people across 23 woredas in East and West Harerge, Bale and West Arsi zones. At present, 16 trucks are deployed, leaving a critical gap of 27 trucks for the region. Elsewhere, a total of 13 trucks are operational out of 20 trucks requested for more than 37,625 people across zones 1, 2 and 4 (Afar Region); and five water trucks deployed out of 11 requested for some 168,000 people across 12 woredas in Eastern, Central, Western, South-Western and Southern zones (Tigray Region). In Amhara, some 19,635 people, nine health facilities and seven schools are reportedly facing water shortages in Minjar Shenkora woreda of North Shewa zone. Four trucks are to be deployed in the area. Over the past weeks, water trucking needs were identified in Somali Region, including in Barey, Dolobay, Kersadula, Raso, West Imy, Guradamole, Jararti, Elkare and parts of Hargele woredas of Afder zone; Afdem, Adigala, Ayisha, Meiso and Shinile woredas of Siti zone; Shekosh, Shilabo, Korahe, Mersin and Debeweyn woreda of Korahe zone; Dollo Ado, Hudet, Filtu, Moyale, Deka-Siftu and Mubamarak woredas of Liben zone; Danan, Adadle, Ferfer and East Imy woredas of Shebelle zone; Danod, Bokh, Galadin and Warder woredas of Doolo zone; Harshin woreda of Fafan zone; Degehabur and Yoalo woredas of Jarar zone; and all woredas of Nogob zone. Out of the 35 water trucks required in the region, 17 are currently operational in Nogob, Shebelle, Afder and Liben zones.

Meanwhile, the SNNP Regional Water Bureau and partners are closely monitoring water availability in Boricha and Loko woredas of Sidama zone; Mirab Abaya and Deramalo woredas of Gamo Gofa zone; Lanfaro and Wilbareg woredas of Silte zone; and drought prone woredas of Wolayita zone, following reports of water sources drying up. With the current belg rainy season failing – for the third consecutive year in some areas – timely deployment of requested water trucks and emergency water scheme rehabilitations are essential to prevent further deterioration of food and nutritional situations in affected areas. For more information, contact awesterbeek@unicef.org