Thousands displaced by floods in Ethiopia's Somali region

AllAfrica, via UN Integrated Regional Information: At least 52,000 people have abandoned their homes in Ethiopia's Somali region after the Wade Shabelle and Genale rivers burst their banks following heavy rains. "Heavy rains pounded western highlands and six woredas [administrative wards] in the Somali region, causing floods," Ramadan Haji Ahmed, head of the government's disaster prevention department in the region, said. "The rain lasted six days from 2 November," he told IRIN.

...Crops were also destroyed in West Emi woreda of Afder zone. "The Wabe Shebelle River burst its banks and flooded 17 kebeles in West Emi," Ramadan added. "Thanks to early warnings, the villagers fled to nearby mountains. The flood damaged crops on 3,200 hectares." At least 10,740 displaced people have been registered in Dolo Odo woreda of Liben zone. "Dolo Odo was flooded after the overflow of Genale river," Ramadan said. "The roads from Dolo Odo to Filtu and Negele are also blocked."….