Ethiopia's Disaster Risk Management Commission has issued a national flood alert for the October-to-January Bega season, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods and unseasonal rains in several parts of the country.
The National Bega Flood Alert No. 2, dated September 2019 in the Ethiopian calendar, is based on the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute's seasonal forecast. It says areas that normally receive Bega rains are expected to see normal to above-normal rainfall.
Above-normal rainfall is expected in Sidama, parts of southern Oromia, most of the Somali Region and southern parts of the country, the commission reported, citing the institute. Heavy rainfall and flash floods are expected in isolated pocket areas. Unseasonal rainfall is also expected in northern, northeastern, eastern and central Ethiopia in October and November.
The alert identifies riverine flood risks along basins including the Wabi Shebelle, Genale-Dawa and lower Omo, and flash-flood risks in listed woredas across Somali, Oromia, Sidama, South Ethiopia, South West Ethiopia, Central Ethiopia and Gambella. It urges regional governments to activate task forces, pre-position supplies and evacuate people to higher ground if flooding begins.
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The warning comes as FEWS NET says a very strong El Niño, with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, is expected to bring heavy rains and heightened flood risk in the Horn of Africa in October–December 2026, while earlier kiremt deficits have already hurt meher prospects in parts of northern and eastern Ethiopia.
In August the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations sought $50 million to assist 4.66 million people in Ethiopia facing El Niño-related drought and flood risks, Capital Ethiopia and other outlets reported, citing the agency's urgent call. The commission said early warning should translate into "preparedness, early action, and response activities to protect life and property".
Ethiopia has faced deadly floods before; floods and landslides killed at least 30 people in southern Ethiopia in March.
