Rainfall Failure Raises Humanitarian Concerns in Parts of Tigray

August 3, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Communities in parts of Tigray are facing mounting pressure from the failure of the kiremt rainy season, Ethiopia's main June-to-September rainfall period, with residents warning that worsening shortages of water and grazing land are placing both livelihoods and livestock at risk, according to a report by Tikvah Ethiopia. The reported rainfall deficit has affected 21 kebeles across Abergele and Irob districts in the region's Central and Eastern zones. Local residents have appealed for urgent intervention from the government and humanitarian organisations to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

In Abergele, 13 kebeles have yet to receive the seasonal rains, while in Irob rainfall had reportedly not begun at all as of July 31, 2026. Sources cited by Tikvah Ethiopia said the affected kebeles in Irob include Agere Lekhuma, Ara, Alitena, Weratle, Endamosa, Hareze Sebata, Endalgieda and Dewhan.

The absence of rainfall has left pasturelands depleted and animal feed in short supply, while access to drinking water has become increasingly difficult for residents, the report said. Local sources also linked the humanitarian concerns in Irob to the district's broader security situation, noting that several kebeles have remained under the control of Eritrean forces for the past six years. They said the prolonged security challenges, combined with the lack of rainfall, have heightened anxiety among affected communities.

Source: FSX Business News