As a country that has experienced the effects of climate change including drought, flash floods, and mudslides, Ethiopia has been actively working to mitigate the climate crisis through a range of environmental protection initiatives. Currently, the country has started taking measures to reduce climate-related impacts, particularly those expected from heavy rainfall during this rainy season.
Recently, the Ethiopian Meteorology Institute (EMI) called on stakeholders to contribute to national development and help prevent disasters linked to climate change by effectively applying its seasonal forecast. The forecast predicts heavy rainfall during this Ethiopia’s main rainy season, known as Kiremt, which includes the months of June, July, August, and September.
While the anticipated increase in rainfall is expected to provide sufficient water for irrigation, hydroelectric dams, and environmental conservation projects, EMI Director General Fetene Teshome warned of potential risks. These include river overflows, flash floods, water accumulation on farmlands, and mosquito breeding. He urged stakeholders to strengthen drainage systems, reduce vulnerability to flooding, and take action to prevent the spread of insect-borne diseases.
Ethiopian Public Health Institute Senior Expert, Adugna Woyessa, told The Ethiopian Herald that heavy rainfall often leads to flooding and river overflows, which create saturated areas that serve as breeding grounds for disease-transmitting insects. As an epidemiologist, Adugna warned that above-average rainfall may create favorable conditions for the spread of both vector-borne and waterborne diseases, such as malaria, dengue, cholera, and others.
Flooding in areas located west of the rift valley, such as Gondar, west Gojjam, and north and south Wollocould damage roads and hinder access to health facilities, which must therefore be equipped with necessary medical supplies in advance, he advised.
Although the rainy season brings benefits such as increased water availability for cleaning and sanitation, it can also damage sewage systems and toilet lines. This, Adugna noted, poses serious challenges to public health efforts and increases the risk of disease outbreaks in affected communities.
The Ministry of Health organizes an annual public campaign to raise awareness about malaria and its prevention, designating the week of August as Malaria Week. According to Adugna, draining clogged and stagnant water is essential to reduce mosquito breeding. He also emphasized the importance of using mosquito nets properly, applying insect repellent, and seeking medical attention at the onset of malaria symptoms such as fever. Taking prescribed medication promptly is also crucial, he added.
Adugna underscored that coordinated action across various sectors is vital to reduce health risks associated with extreme weather. Protecting public health, he said, is fundamental to the success of all other development efforts.
In the agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) has set a target of producing approximately 650 million quintals of crops from 20.3 million hectares of cultivated land during the Meher season.
MoA’s Crop Development Lead Executive Officer,Esayas Lemma, stressed the importance of timely action by farmers. He advised them to prepare furrows and other drainage channels to prevent water saturation of farmlands. He also urged farmers to follow guidelines provided by the ministry and the National Disaster Risk Management Commission, including the use of surface drainage systems to collect and store rainwater for future use.
The ministry will continue to provide timely information and recommendations to farmers in flood-prone areas to help reduce and prevent crop damage, Esayas added.
Ministry of Water and Energy’s Basins Coordination Office Coordinator, Dejene Legesse, highlighted the need for advance planning to reduce climate impacts such as flash floods and drought.
River basins such as Awash, Wabishebele, Omo, Gibe, and Abbay are especially prone to flooding. According to Dejene, the ministry conducts annual studies to prioritize flood prevention and rehabilitation work in these vulnerable areas. Building early warning systems and constructing protective structures along rivers are key strategies.
So far, around 150 dikes have been built along the Awash River basin. Similar measures are being prepared for the Wabishebele River and other basins following the completion of vulnerability assessments. Dejene also mentioned that the ministry works directly with local farmers to minimize damage from river overflows using sandbags and other techniques.
He noted that implementing early prevention activities can reduce potential damage by up to seven times. Furthermore, he emphasized the need to strengthen rainwater harvesting efforts by increasing the number of dams to store surface water for use during dry seasons.
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 7 JUNE 2025
