Ethiopia: help for the drought affected

Flowing heat, nothing but dust and stones as far as the eye can see. The highest temperatures in the world are regularly measured in Ethiopia. In many regions agriculture is hardly possible. The situation has further intensified due to the strong El Niño. In recent years precipitation has been very low during the short periods of the rain, some of which have been reduced by as much as 90%. This year too, millions of people in Ethiopia suffer hunger.

Contaminated water leads to diseases

The south of Ethiopia is severely affected by the consequences of the ongoing drought. The still available water sources threaten to dry under the persistent dryness. In order to get water for their families, the women have to go longer distances to the next well. 9.2 million people do not have access to clean drinking water.

In their distress, people drink the least available water, even if it is of low quality. Impurities and germs lead to the spread of infectious diseases, such as stomach and diarrheal diseases. These diseases are mainly life-threatening for children, old and weak. Since the beginning of the year, 36,000 cases have been registered in the south of the country alone. Many children also suffer from malnutrition.

Drinking water for the needy

In Dheka-Suftu, in the province of Liben in the south of the country, the Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, in cooperation with the "Rural Agency for Community Integrated Development and Assistance" (RACIDA), its partner organization on the ground, ensures access to drinking water for almost 3,800 people. In five districts, people receive 8.3 liters of water per person a day to overcome the drought. The project also includes the distribution of tablets for water treatment as well as training courses for the hygienic handling and maintenance of water sampling points.

Please support us furthermore so that we can help even more people.

Thank you so much!

Yours

Michael Tuerk