Ethiopia: Torrential rain Kills at least 25 people, 200 rescued

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

May30, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — Heavy rains in the Ethiopia’s eastern Somali region of jijiga town on Friday morning has killed 25 people while asleep.

The deaths were reported after heavy rains that cause flash floods left the Wabeshebelle river burst its banks. Ministry of Information spokesperson Zemedhum Tekle told reporters.

Among the dead, 19 of them are reported to be children. Some 45 people are reported to be hospitalized.

Following the incident a swift response from a police rescue team of the area has managed to rescue the lives of some 200 people. Local officials said

The flash floods have swept away several houses and damaged huge property.

Emergency aids from the federal government are being arriving by helicopters at the flooded airport of jijiga.

Fears still remain high that the current death toll might rise if possible water borne disease breakout especially at the under developed areas of the region.

The Somali region has repeatedly been hit by heavy rains & drought.

Last year, weeks of have rain in the region have killed scores.

(ST)