Thousands displaced by floods in Ethiopia
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Flooding in Ethiopia's western Gambella region has killed three people, displaced thousands and destroyed crops, an official has said.
"Flash floods following heavy rains for nearly a week have caused major rivers in Gambella to burst their banks, submerging residential areas and farmlands and forcing 18,000 people to be displaced", said Akway Ojulu, head of emergency assistance in Gambella.
"So far we have reports of the deaths of three people including one child," he said.
Ethiopia faces seasonal flooding between June and September. Flash floods typically happen in lowland areas of the country after heavy rains drench the highlands during the rainy season.
According to the United Nations, more then 100,000 people were affected by floods in Ethiopia last year and 17 died of waterborne diseases.
Mr Akway said crocodiles had hampered rescue efforts.
"We are taking precautions, but the vast number of crocodiles swarming the Gilo river may harm unsuspecting people," he said.
About 3,000 hectares of farm land with maize, sorghum and cotton have been destroyed by the flood water, he added.
- Reuters
