Borkena
Toronto – A survey Wolida University undertook in famine affected areas of North Wollo, particularly Bugna district, reveals that the magnitude of the crisis is much higher that what was reported.
Six experts from the University undertook the survey in four “core” kebeles in Bugna district. The finding, BBC Amharic reported, four kebeles are severely affected by food deficiency, health care provision and water shortages.
BBC Amharic said the experts did not reveal their identity. It cited them as saying that they have confirmed that mothers and children under five years of age have died due to famine. Two mothers and five children have died. Two of the children are from Birko and Harbe kebeles, and three children are from Qob kebele.
Over 80,000 residents have not yet received emergency food aid in Bugna, North Wollo, Amhara region of Ethiopia. VOA Amharic on Friday cited the zone Disaster Prevention and Food security to report that only 27,000 of 109,000 residents facing famine have received emergency aid.
Alemu Yimer, head of the office in the district, is cited as saying what is needed is as emergency aid is 16,000 quintals but what is delivered is only 4,000.
Despite recurring reports of the magnitude of the famine situation from multiple sources including humanitarian aid organizations, the Ethiopian government has been claiming that it has “enough emergency aid in stock” and that it can deliver the aid.
The Ethiopian government tends to overlook the magnitude of the famine situation in the region. It was making allegations that there are “groups,” without specifying their names, that are “politicizing the situation.” It also made allegations – apparently against Fano forces – of obstructing delivery efforts in the region. However, Fano forces have been making calls for emergency aid delivery to the area, and they have pledged to facilitate access. Much of the area has been under their control for over a year now.
The area has been impacted by war and drought for several years now.
In a related development, the Russian government donated over 1330 tonnes of wheat to Ethiopia. The aid , however, is intended to support displaced people in the Gambella region of Ethiopia.
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I am and will be holding both the government(federal and regional) and leaders of the so-called ‘rebels’ equally responsible for every human being starving or dying from this totally avoidable lack of food. In this day and age after more than 47 years once again man-made famine should never occur and above kill people and domestic animals. The ICC at The Hague should take a note of this and slap the leaders of these warring groups with arrest warrants. Bus these damned, damned, damned demons to the slammer.