10.2 Floods
Floods are extreme weather events that have had major effects in Ethiopia at different times and in different locations. In recent decades, major floods outside the normal pattern of flooding have occurred in Ethiopia with increasing frequency (EM-DAT, n.d.). They have been responsible for many deaths of people and livestock, and caused damage to homes (Figure 10.1), livelihoods and infrastructure in many parts of the country (MoWR/NMA, 2007). Table 10.1 shows the costs of major flood events in 2005 and 2006, which were the worst in recent years in terms of deaths and economic damage in Ethiopia.
| Year | Region/towns affected | Human deaths | Total affected people | Costs due to flood damage ($US) |
| 2005 | Somali region, Dire Dawa and Wolayta zone, Humbo woreda | 211 | 242,418 | 6,200,000 |
| 2006 | Eastern Afar, Eastern Somali, Tigray, Gambela, Omo, Amhara and SNNPR regions; Dire Dawa city, Addis Ababa | 951 | 434,146 | 3,200,000 |
There are two main types of floods – flash floods and river floods – both of which affect water supply and sanitation.
10.1 What is extreme weather?