DROUGHT EMERGENCY: AFAR REGION/ ETHIOPIA

April 23, 2008

The Ethiopian government has called on NGOs to assist as far as possible to avert the growing emergency in the Afar Region, caused by thirst and hunger. The government has allocated an emergency fund for food assistance, but according to the metrological prediction, the region will only get 25% of the expected rain in this season of short rains (March to April). Affected areas are now almost 7 months without any rain.

• There is extreme thirst in Eli Daar and Kori Zone 1 (Northern part of Afar Region) with people going up to 24 hours to collect water.
• All districts report acute household food problems: high grain prices, lack of grain in the market and no relief food assistance.
• Animal diseases are now extremely widespread affecting all animals including camels, which are used as means of transportation.
• Whole communities (a total of 130 household) in the affected areas in the Afar Region are migrating to the roadsides in search of water and food assistance.

Can- Go Afar and Human Concern International are launching this appeal to all our supporters to help save the lives of the Afar people in the Horn of Africa. The needs are basic and include:

• Providing water trucks to assist communities at the northern part of Afar Region and keep them out of danger.
• Immediate repair of broken water wells and pumps.

Our implementing partner in Afar Region – Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA) is looking for funds to address the situation in a timely and efficient way. Your donation will help save the lives of vulnerable people, children, the elderly and women, by providing them with the basic needs such as water and food. Currently, there are a total of 671,509 people living in extreme conditions in the Afar Region. Let’s join our efforts together and help them in this difficult situation.

Thank you for making a difference!