Ethiopian Informer
ADDIS ABABA: November 25 (EI) – Flash floods has reportedly killed 9 people in Djibouti as stagnant water from heavy rains raised concern of water-borne and respiratory disease outbreaks, the United Nations Country Team in Djibouti disclosed on Monday.
“In Djibouti city alone, initial estimates indicate that over 30,000-40,000 families (150,000-250,000 people) have been somewhat affected by the floods, and 9 people have reportedly been killed,” the UN team said in a situational report regarding the humanitarian impact of the flash flood.
Some seven of the total 9 people who have reportedly been killed by the flash floods are said to be children, it was noted.
“The presence of stagnant water will also likely trigger water-borne diseases and respiratory diseases outbreaks, including Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) and vector-borne diseases – malaria, and a possible spread of the Chikungunya virus present in the region,” the report read.
The Red Sea nation has experienced heavy rains since November 21, which triggered flash floods across the tiny Horn of Africa country. Reports also indicate that about 300mm of rain were recorded in Djibouti city alone between November 21 and 24 – which is said to be over three times the annual average of Djibouti.
According to the UN, dwellings, shops, schools and infrastructure “have been damaged,” in which the flooding also interrupted electricity access in some neighborhoods of the capital Djibouti City.
The Djibouti government has also announced some of the urgent initial emergency requirements, which include large-capacity motor pumps for water evacuation, sludge disposal systems, medical and hygiene kits, food and non-food items, as well as water purification systems and tents.
Djibouti’s Ministry of Health has also requested the World Health Organization (WHO) for support to provide medical kits to health workers in the field, among others.
Located on the coast of the Red Sea, Djibouti is has a total population of nearly one million, according to data from the World Bank Group.
Photo, by the Ethiopian Informer, shows flash floods triggered by heavy rains that hit Djibouti from November 21 to 24.
