In response to the heavy rains and landslides that struck Ethiopia in July 2024, the European Union has provided €150,000 to support the country’s response in providing life-saving interventions in the affected areas.
The emergency funding provided by the EU will support the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) in providing assistance to the most vulnerable households, including shelter and essential household items, Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies and multi-purpose cash. In addition, the ERCS will strengthen ongoing search, rescue, and retrieval efforts. It will also conduct community mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) sessions.
Heavy rains between 21 and 22 July triggered successive landslides in remote mountainous areas in southern Ethiopia, causing significant loss of life and devastation. In addition to the landslides, on 18 July, some regions were hit by a windstorm, damaging homes and crops.
The southern regions have continued to experience heavy rainfall and flooding in recent weeks. The region is already characterised by intensified epidemics, and food insecurity is likely to increase. In addition to the allocation of emergency humanitarian aid, the EU deployed an expert to Ethiopia, following the UNEP/OCHA JEU’s activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
