Ethiopia Unveils 43 Million Birr Recovery Programme After Gammo Zone Disaster

May 26, 2026

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society has launched a 43 million birr relief programme to support recovery efforts in Gammo Zone of the South Ethiopia Region, following landslides and flooding that have displaced thousands of households and left dozens dead.

The disaster has affected more than 17,000 people and displaced over 2,400 households since heavy rains began in mid-March. The death toll has reached 31, with 25 fatalities reported in Meleth Kebele of Gacho Baba Woreda.

The relief programme, coordinated with the organisation’s national headquarters, is set to run for four months and includes monthly cash assistance of 11,350 birr for 500 households. It also covers water system rehabilitation, sanitation support and psychosocial services.

Emergency response efforts have already included the distribution of non-food relief items and medical supplies. The Red Cross said it delivered medical equipment worth 1 million birr to the Lante Health Centre.

Government authorities have identified 427 households for housing reconstruction support. In the first phase, about 100 households are expected to be resettled in two kebeles in West Abaya Woreda.

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society said it has requested participation in long-term resettlement activities and is awaiting approval from its national office.