Dasenech Community Navigates Recovery After Devastating Omo River Floods

The Omo River has long been a lifeline for Ethiopia’s South Omo Zone communities. However, in early 2024, it became a force of destruction when unseasonal rains triggered severe flooding. The river overflowed, and fragile earthen dikes crumbled, unleashing torrents that submerged homes and farmlands. According to OCHA, over 79,000 individuals were displaced instantly, forced to abandon everything they owned.

The impact was devastating. Families found themselves stranded, and their livelihoods were washed away. The crisis was further exacerbated when the backflow from Turkana Lake intensified the flooding.

A Lifeline of Support

A coordinated humanitarian effort was launched to provide urgent relief in response to this disaster. With the support of the European Union, we delivered cash assistance to 5,171 households (36,616 people) in the Dasenech Woreda. This financial assistance helped families secure food, clothing, and other necessities to rebuild their lives. One of those selected for support was Iker Macho from Akodongole Kebele.

“We were originally in Akodongole, but we were forced to relocate to Kelem due to the waterlogging. People in Need supported us, and today, I received the third round of money support, which will allow me to buy food, clothes, and school supplies for my children,” Iker says.

Iker covered her family's immediate needs with her first and second instalments. With the remaining funds, she purchased a goat worth approximately 4,500 birrs (around €30), helping to strengthen her household's food security. This small purchase provided her with a sustainable food source and income. 

Strength through recovery

Another Dasenech mother, Nokotore Nekegnu, originally from Arikol kebele, also lost everything due to the floods. Struggling to provide for her children, she relied on the kindness of her community. “The kebele members saw that I had nothing and chose me for financial support.” For Nokotore, this assistance was life-changing.

"After registering with People in Need, I received my first round of financial support, bought tin sheets, and built a house,” says Nokotore proudly.

 With the second and third rounds of cash support, she pooled her funds and bought a heifer.

“I have five children. When this heifer gives birth, I will use her milk and butter to feed my children,” she explains. Many still require assistance to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and secure a stable future, and there is still a need for continued funding for long-term recovery efforts. Nokotore’s story shows that resilience can triumph over hardship with the proper support.

The Road to Recovery

For families, cash assistance is more than just financial aid. It gives them the autonomy to prioritise their needs, whether food, shelter, or livestock, to restore their livelihoods. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the floods, these stories highlight the resilience of those affected and the tangible impact of humanitarian assistance.

The response to the Dasenech floods demonstrates the power of timely intervention. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of humanitarian teams and generous EU support, thousands of displaced individuals are now finding a path forward. However, many still require assistance to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and secure a stable future.

The principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence guided the humanitarian response in the Dasenech area. This ensured that aid was delivered solely based on humanitarian needs without discrimination or external influence.

As climate change exacerbates the frequency and intensity of disasters, we remain committed to strengthening resilience, supporting recovery, and advocating for sustainable solutions.

The impact of floods is long-term, and displacement could be permanent. More than ever, sustained humanitarian efforts are crucial in the face of severe climate change impacts and donor budget cuts and freezes. 

“Beyond immediate relief, multi-purpose cash assistance can help communities begin their recovery by enabling them to invest in rebuilding their lives, start small businesses, or engage in livelihood creation, all of which improve long-term resilience to climate impacts. Our collective actions create waves that impact individuals and the broader communities. Thanks to the EU for its continued support," says Sebsibe Paulos, PIN Project Manager.