Office says gov’t vigilant to cope with flooding
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ADDIS ABABA — THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD Newspaper 7 May 2016: The Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) said that the government is working to cope with the possible flood disaster in different parts of the country in connection with the current erratic climate change situation.
The Office in its weekly press release said that while working to take advantage of the current rain for crop cultivation, farmers and pastoral communities need to be cautious about possibilities of flooding.
The Office said the national Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Committee is closely following the situation. Besides, the Committee has already established a Flood Task Force at federal level responsible for finalizing the flood prevention interventions and mechanisms for swift response in case of flood emergency.
The Office said the National Flood Disaster Warning has prepared and dispatched to pertinent bodies across the country. Following this, the public in various parts of the country are strengthening retaining walls to protect flooding to communities and public institutions.
The Office added that contingent plan has also been set to protect people from flooding, response during flooding and a rehabilitation works after possible flooding.
The Office said the government is doing its level best to protect lives and property damages due to flooding.
As the government has resisted the drought burden with all possible means, the Office has called for concerted and coordinated efforts of the public and local administrative units especially in areas that have received flood emergency warning.
BY YOHANES JEMANEH