Addis Ababa Mayor Calls for Urgent Flood Prevention Measures Before Rains

June 18, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has directed city administrations to launch intensive flood prevention measures ahead of the rainy season, placing particular responsibility on sub-city and district authorities to identify and address risks before they escalate into emergencies.

The instruction came during discussions on the city's 90-day action plan and seasonal preparedness activities, where officials reviewed priorities for the coming months. The mayor said local administrations are expected to have a detailed understanding of conditions in their respective areas and should not wait for central institutions to identify drainage and flood-related problems.

She called for immediate assessments of locations vulnerable to flooding, including areas where drainage infrastructure may have been obstructed or overlooked during the implementation of recent corridor development projects. Any deficiencies, she said, should be corrected before heavy rains intensify.

According to Adanech, the city's extensive urban development initiatives have significantly raised Addis Ababa's profile both nationally and across the continent. She warned that flood incidents causing damage to people or property would undermine those efforts and negatively affect the city's image.

The mayor said flood management should not rely solely on government budgets. Instead, she instructed city leaders to mobilise additional support by engaging contractors, private investors and organised groups to contribute machinery, manpower and other resources for maintenance, cleaning and repair works.

She also urged local officials to carry out area-specific interventions, noting that flood risks vary across different parts of the capital and require tailored responses. Communities, she said, should be closely involved in preparedness and mitigation efforts.

Addressing city administrators, Adanech stressed that preventing flood-related damage during the rainy season is essential to safeguarding both residents and the infrastructure investments made across Addis Ababa. She said proactive action at the local level would be critical to ensuring that the city avoids disruptions associated with seasonal flooding.

Source: FSX Business News