"The earthquake in the Awash area has caused significant disruption to the lives of pastoral communities, with widespread displacement and livelihood loss. While emergency assistance has been provided, the situation remains precarious, with many families unsure of their future. Urgent interventions are needed to improve shelter, nutrition, and safety, while longer-term efforts must focus on rebuilding livelihoods and establishing sustainable solutions for income source."
Afar earthquakes update
Following the recent earthquakes our partner APDA (Afar Pastoralist Development Association) has been supporting people who have been displaced, providing emergency aid and planning for the long-term.
What is happening in the region?
- Ongoing earthquake activity
- Fissures appearing in the earth, some dispelling steam, gas and debris
- Damage to buildings
- Thousands of people displaced from their homes
We have been able to respond quickly with initial support through our Emergency and Recovery Fund, thank you so much to everyone who continues to support this vital fund.
APDA has a representative in an emergency committee composed of government, clan leaders, religious leaders and other prominent voluntary people.
They report that seismic activity has continued and there has been an increase in ground fissures, heightening concerns about the area’s stability. Actual emergency assistance is far from meeting immediate need.
APDA has sent a small team to conduct a survey among people who have been displaced with the hope and aim to find the gaps in need and to relieve these people of being dependent, returning them to their own homes and livelihoods as fast as possible.
They shared their latest updates on the current situation:
Immediate aid
- A significant number of people have not evacuated, not wanting to leave their land and concerned over the safety of their livestock.
- People who have been displaced report poor shelter, inadequate sanitation, and a lack of basic household items. The camp is located in a dry area with thorny trees, and the temporary tents provided do not offer sufficient protection from the extreme temperatures, or from mosquitoes.
- Currently, the Addis Ababa and Samara University seismology teams have said the displacement camps are not safe from seismic activity and the operation to move people further north started on 28th January. However, people are hesitant to move again, concerned to leave their grazing and farming lands, The community fears that losing their livestock would be more detrimental to their livelihood than the earthquake itself.
- A new committee has been established to ensure inclusive evacuation efforts under the "No One Left Behind" campaign. It comprises clan leaders, religious leaders and representatives from youth and women groups.
- APDA's two trucks have not left the sites, working with the Regional and Federal Disaster Risk Management teams. They have helped take food to the displacement camps as well as moving hay for animals and trucking water.
Long-term recovery
- Women in particular have expressed concerns about their safety and the lack of proper shelter within the IDP camps.
- There is an increasing fear that children may suffer from malnutrition, particularly due to the absence of milk and other essential food sources. Emergency food aid from larger INGOs is not permanent.
- The uncertainty surrounding their future settlement has made it difficult for these communities to rebuild their livelihoods.
- The future and long-term effects of the earthquakes on the land is uncertain. The APDA team are committed to walking with these people to find a way they can resume some sense of normality.
- APDA's assessment has suggested urgent help, they are planning the formation of a task force consisting of Women Extension Workers, health workers and teachers, providing mats, carpets, and blankets for shelter, and running awareness programs about gender-based violence and hygiene.
- Some people who have been displaced, especially Afar women, have attempted to engage in small trade activities to support their families. However, these efforts are hindered by financial constraints, logistical challenges, and the overall instability in the area. APDA plans to support them by creating income generating activity groups to help people earn an income as they recover.
You can support our Emergency and Recovery Fund to ensure we are able to provide a rapid response in emergencies like this.
