Satellite maps supporting United Nations World Food Programme and UNICEF in relief activities in Ethiopia

Exceptionally heavy rainfalls led to severe floodings in the southeast of Ethiopia. According to reports of the United Nations, more than 100 people lost their lives and some 100.000 were displaced. Wide areas of agricultural land were devastated and about 50.000 cattle were killed by the extensive floods. Torrential rains that struck the region of Ogaden (some 700 km southeast of the capital Addis Abeba) and lasted for 48 hours caused the Shabeelle River levels to rise quickly. The subsequent floodings flushed away some 25 villages and rendered numerous roads impassable. Since many wells were covered by the floods, the supply with drinking water was also affected. The current events worsen the humanitarian situation in a region which is regularly affected by droughts. The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) and UNICEF support the government and population of Ethiopia by supplying and distributing blankets, tents and food. In order to assess the extent of the flooded areas, WFP requested help from the International Charter Space and Major Disasters. DLR's Center for Satellite Based Crisis Information (ZKI) produces satellite maps which show the region before and after the floodings took place. For the humanitarian relief activities, they provide an overview of the region affected by the crisis. In this recent Charter call, ZKI provides its services through the European project RESPOND. The coordination of the Charter activities in connection with the floods in Ethiopia is conducted by UNOSAT.