ReliefWeb

Seasonal Update

Reconfirming earlier forecast, the 2 July update from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Climate Prediction Centre indicates that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are likely to remain neutral through the northern hemisphere summer 2013, indicating the likelihood for a normal 2013 kiremt (June to September) rainy season. The ENSO phenomenon contributes significantly to seasonal climate fluctuations, often with substantial implications for humans and their environment. While an El Niño normally leads to normal- to abovenormal rains over the eastern Horn of Africa, La Niña conditions, which originate in below-normal water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, generally result in below-normal rainfall.

Similarly, the latest forecast by the National Meteorological Agency (NMA) indicates an improvement in the kiremt rainfall performance – both in intensity and coverage - in July. Normal to above normal rainfall is expected in Amhara,

Beneshangul Gumuz, Gambella, most parts of Oromia and SSNP Regions, and near normal rainfall in Afar, Harar and northern Somali Regions, as well as the city of Dire Dawa, during the month. The south and south eastern parts of the country are likely to remain relatively dry. For more information, contact: FAO-Ethiopia@fao.org and dadimoswon@yahoo.com

Flood Update

On 2 July, flooding reportedly affected more than 700 people in two kebeles of Adama woreda and three kebeles of Boset woreda in East Shewa zone, Oromia Region. One death, a number of injuries and the loss of lives and livelihoods, including belg crops - mainly maize - were reported. Although in-depth assessment to determine the level of damage and identify humanitarian needs is ongoing, the preliminary findings of a rapid assessment identified the immediate need for temporary shelter and food, as well as WASH and health care services for the affected population, including prevention of malaria and other water-related diseases. Heavy kiremt rains in pocket areas of the country will continue to cause localized flooding, according to NMA. The National Flood Task Force was revitalized to prepare for and respond to the seasonal flooding. For more information, contact: ocha-eth@un.org

Nutrition Update

New admissions of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition (SAM) to therapeutic feeding programs (TFPs) at national level decreased by 5.6 per cent to 21,839 admissions in May, down from 23,124 in April (85.5 per cent reporting rate). Additional admission reports expected from Oromia and possibly from Somali Regions might lower the rate of decrease to 5 per cent. When compared to this time last year, TFP admissions this year are around 30 per cent lower, indicating betterment in the overall food and nutritional situation in the country. Pocket areas, however, remain of concern. For more information, contact: isaackmanyama@yahoo.co.uk Relief Food Update As of 2 July, the dispatch of the second and third round of relief food reached 96 and 23 per cent, respectively.

Meanwhile, the first round of relief food distribution stood at 90 per cent, while the second round distribution reached 37 per cent – the second round distribution has, however, yet to start in Afar, Harari and SNNP Regions. Due to supply shortages, DRMFSS-covered areas are receiving a reduced food basket (no oil) and reduced ration of the Corn Soya Blend (CSB) under the second round. Similarly, under the third round, DRMFSS-covered areas will receive a reduced food basket (no oil) and full ration for all other commodities, while JEOP and WFP-covered areas will receive a full food basket and full ration of all commodities.

As of the same date, dispatch of the Productive Safety Net Programme (PSNP) food allocation for April stood at 81 per cent; while the PSNP food allocation for May reached 58 per cent and that of June reached 50 per cent. For more information, contract wfp.addisababa@wfp.org

Refugee Update

Dima woreda of Agnewak zone, Gambella Region continues to receive new arrivals from Pibor County of Jonglei State, South Sudan. An estimated 4,201 people – up from 3,443 people two weeks ago – have so far arrived in the area. The new arrivals received food ration for 15 days through WFP support, in addition to basic emergency supplies.

The relocation of the new refugees to a safer location away from the border is still pending the Government’s decision for a new site. Meanwhile, the Government refugee agency, ARRA, and UNHCR, with IOM support, have relocated 3,230 South Sudanese refugees from Gambella’s Wanthowa woreda, to Pugnido camp. With the population increase in Pugnido camp, UNHCR and partners are discussing ways to ease the strain on existing sanitation facilities.

Shortage of shelter materials to accommodate the new arrivals also remains a challenge. In Beneshangul Gumuz Region, 161 new refugee arrivals were registered and accommodated in Sherkole and Bambasi camps over the past week. Of the 161, seven refugees reportedly came from Doro camp in Upper Nile Sate, South Sudan. Given the ongoing conflict in Sudan’s Blue Nile State, the opening of the fourth camp to a