EDRMC calls on partners to provide more assistance to 21.2mln citizens in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, January 21, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) has called on partners to provide more humanitarian assistance to more than 21.2 million citizens in Ethiopia.

Debebe Zewde, Public Relations Director of the Commission, told Fana Broadcasting Corporate that there are currently more than 21.2 million citizens in Ethiopia who need humanitarian assistance due to man-made and natural disasters.

Out of the total 21.2 million citizens, 4.6 million of them are internally displaced people.

He noted that the government of Ethiopia, the World Food Programme (WFP) and a coalition of non-governmental organizations are providing food supply to these people.

The PR Director said that more than 149,496 metric tons of food and non-food supplies have been distributed to the citizens in need, especially in the northern part of Ethiopia.

Debebe also indicated that 1,562.76 metric tons of medicines and 4,154 metric tons of nutritious food were delivered in the aforementioned areas.

On the other hand, until last January 16, 2023, the Director stated that 1,113, 952 liters of fuel and 1.3 billion birr in cash was sent to Mekele and Shire areas.

In addition to the government, 29 partners are providing humanitarian assistance in the Tigray region, he said.

However, given the high number of citizens that require humanitarian assistance throughout Ethiopia, he emphasized that the food supply being provided currently is not sufficient.

He, therefore, urged humanitarian aid organizations and partners to provide more protracted assistance to the 21.2 million citizens in Ethiopia who need food supply on a daily basis.