AFRICA/ETHIOPIA - “11 million people in Horn of Africa at risk”: warning from Volontariato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo

Thursday, 23 March 2006

Addis Ababa (Fides Service)- “Eleven million people in the Horn of Africa particularly in the Ethiopian regions of Somali Region and Oromiya are in danger of dying of thirst due to serious prolonged drought in the area - write Martina Venzo and Carlotta Carpi Italian VIS volunteers from Addis Ababa . VIS is an association of volunteers for development promoted by the Salesians. The emergency is the result of several seasons of drought, lack of Autumn rains, considerable flight of animals from drought affected areas, which have reduced to the extreme living conditions of the people. The situation, almost one of famine, is causing a massive movement of people and animals like an overflowing river, international organisations are responding very slowly and with funds much lower than the real needs.”
VIS at Devalle is helping to build a locally long desired primary school the only one for a radius of many kilometres for 400 children aged 5 - 11.
Devalle is about a two hour drive from Jijiga, main city of the Somali Region. The people are mainly Muslims and the main occupation is sheep raising; besides scarce harvests, swift diminishing of food supplies, systematic reduction of animals, what is much worse drought in this area increases epidemics and morality of children under 5 who cannot survive such a degree of famine. In this area VIS is considering the possibility of digging five water wells partly with funds from the Italian Bishops’ Conference.
While, after a visit from a committee of elders from the region of Harwa, and extremely por area on the border with Somalia a 100 km from Jijiga, Vis is trying to collect food rations, blankets and clothing for the people in this area. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/3/2006 righe 30 marzo 365)


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