By Faith Nyasuguta
Torrential rains that triggered flash floods in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa have left several people dead and many others displaced.
A disaster response team official on Thursday revealed that more than seven people had lost their lives with one person still missing after the incident.
The source further said that scores sustained major injuries and are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
The heavy rains have also disrupted transportation in the capital as drainage systems are currently overflowing with streets filled up with water.
Images from the capital show that as the water was flooding neighborhoods, a number of survivors were climbing onto the rooftops of their marooned houses.
As of Thursday, Addis Ababa’s Fire and Emergency Prevention and Rescue Agency were still working on rescuing the affected residents.
According to the Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie who visited the affected areas, the residents are set to receive emergency, humanitarian assistance.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to our loved ones, families, and friends who lost their lives in the floods,” the mayor was quoted as saying.
“I urge our residents to take the necessary precautions in the area as heavy rains are expected in the coming days, and we will intensify our efforts to increase protection.”
Forecasts on weather show that the capital, Addis Ababa is expected to receive even more rainfall in the coming days and all the residents have been called upon to take the required precautions.
