The National Disaster and Risk Management Commission said that efforts to abate drought distresses have continued in a well comprehended way at national level.
In his exclusive interview with Walta Media and Communications Corporate, Public Relations Directorate Director with the Commission, Debebe Zewdie, said that the Ethiopian government is intensively working with stakeholders to address needs of people dwelling in drought affected areas.
It was noted that 5.6 million people have been identified for aid through a study made on Meher and Belg seasons; the number has currently increased to 7.783 million due to worse drought effects in Amhara, Oromiya and South Nations, Nationalities and People’s Regional States.
According to the study, 114,668 metric ton of food and food related items is needed to effectively face effects of the drought. This costs over 742 million USD.
The aid supply is well underway by collaboration works of the Ethiopian government, World Food Program and Non Governmental Organizations, it was noted.
It was noted that the Ethiopian government is serving 4.6 million people and the remaining 1.69 and 1.4 million people are being aided by the World Food Program and Non Governmental Organizations, consecutively.
So far 93,048 metric tons in the first round, 96,064metric tons in the second round of food and food related items are distributed. 73,868 metric tons of food and food related items are being distributed.
Preparations to deploy 19 researchers and analysts to drought vulnerable Belg and pastoral farming woredas is finalized in order to update the drought effects and livelihood of the country.
Debebe underlined that the aid is being appropriately distributed to every household in 1,900 distribution stations; hence, no one is facing lack of food.
Ethiopia has spent over 47 million USD to halt drought hitches, Walta learnt.