BY TEWODROS KASSA
The effort exerted to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people who are in need of support in Tigray State is executed in more coordinated and unabated manner. According to a recent announcement from the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) more than 98 thousand metric tons of food and non-food humanitarian aid has been distributed to those seeking support in the Tigray State.
National Disaster Risk Management Commission Public Relations Director Debebe Zewde told local media that the provision of unlimited humanitarian aid to citizens seeking support in the Tigray state has been strengthened.
According to him, more than 89,217 metric tons of humanitarian aid including food and nutritious food has been distributed to Tigray State. Out of this, more than 13,686 metric tons were transported by the Ethiopian Government. 1,222 metric tons of medicines and 7,651 metric tons of non-food items have been distributed to the victims in the State.
He also said that more than 576 million Birr in cash has been sent to Shire and Mekele cities to be used for operation and program implementation. On the other hand, more than 690,868 litres of fuel that can be used for various services in the State were transported.
Accordingly, the humanitarian aid was sent through the Afar Abala, Gondar-Maitbari-Shire and Kombolcha-Kobo-Alamata corridors. Currently, 23 partners are participating in the distribution of humanitarian aid in Tigray State.
Concurrent to providing humanitarian assistance, returning displaced people to their former areas and rehabilitating them is carried out though it is not at the desired level.
As various residents of the area told to local media, even though efforts to rehabilitate internally displaced people are being carried out, the support is not at the required level due to the magnitude of the damage and the increased number of victims who need the support.
Currently, efforts are underway to rehabilitate residents; and resuming services in Raya Kobo, Alamata and Korem towns. According to government officials- Raya Kobo Administrator Mola Desu, Kobo Town Administration Mayor, Seid Abate, Alamata City Administration Mayor Hailu Abera and Korem town Administration Deputy Mayor and Head of Agriculture Office Salam Debesai- works are being done to rehabilitate the displaced people.
As the officials stated to local media, the rehabilitation work is being done by returning displaced people to their homes. However, the amount and type of support being provided, compared to the number of people demanding the support, is not enough. Thus, the officials requested to increase the amount of support given to the victims from the current level taking into consideration the extent of the damage and the number of people that need the support.
The officials also urged for educational, house and office materials support in addition to food supplies. National Disaster Risk Management Commission Public Relations Director Debebe Zewde said that the government is working together with other partners to address the shortage of humanitarian supports in the areas.
Mentioning that the support is still provided to beneficiaries, he said that three teams have been sent to the location to monitor the activities. As to him, if all concerned bodies, stakeholders, associations, institutions, partners and the society put efforts into government’s energy, it would have substantial impact in terms of lessening the burden and minimizing the shortage easily.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD 17 DECEMBER 2022
