United States Aids Earthquake and Volcano Victims in Afar Region

October 24, 2005
No. 48/05

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – On October 13, Ambassador Vicki Huddleston, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, issued a disaster declaration following damage caused by recent earthquakes and volcanic activity in the Afar Region.  The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), though its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, responded by providing $50,000 (over 430,000 birr) to support immediate emergency health services and nutritional support for the affected population.  The funds will be administered by the U.S. Embassy in partnership with UNICEF.

“As chief of the U.S. mission in Addis Ababa, I am glad we have the ability to respond quickly and effectively when disaster strikes,” said Ambassador Huddleston.  “Funding made available as a result of this disaster declaration will help ensure that, with UNICEF’s help, urgent assistance gets directly from the American people to those who need it most.”

Mount Arteala, a long-dormant volcano in the Afar Region’s Teru Woreda, erupted on September 26, triggered by an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5. A subsequent tremor in early October led to further volcanic activity, damaging roads and covering large areas of pasture with lava and volcanic ash. Ethiopia’s Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Commission reported that the eruption displaced thousands of people from Dadaho and Boyana kebeles in Teru Woreda.

Although there were no human casualties, an estimated 1,000 livestock, including sheep, goats, and camels were killed, with extensive damage to roads and water points. The exact number of people affected remains unconfirmed, but officials estimate that 6,500 have been displaced and up to 50,000 people may need to evacuate the area due to the continuing volcanic activity.