The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS) has taken a bold step towards mitigating the impacts of drought by fully activating its Early Action Protocol (EAP). This two-part protocol is designed to address the devastating effects of drought, and the ERCS has now implemented both stages to support communities in need.
Drought Resilience in Action
In late October, the trigger threshold for the EAP was reached in the neighbouring districts of Rayitu and Seweyna, located in Ethiopia's Oromia Region. This threshold, which focuses on expected crop yields, signaled the need for immediate action.
Over the coming weeks, the ERCS will provide support to 35,000 individuals through a range of anticipatory measures. These actions, valued at over 140,000 Swiss francs, are funded by the anticipatory pillar of the IFRC's Disaster Response Emergency Fund.
The measures include livestock vaccinations and cash assistance for animal feed, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) interventions, alternative food sources, and paid work schemes. This comprehensive approach aims to address the various challenges posed by drought, ensuring that communities have the resources to cope and recover.
A Two-Stage Approach
But here's where it gets interesting: the ERCS's EAP is a two-stage process. The first stage, activated in September 2024, focused on drought itself and released over 200,000 Swiss francs for similar interventions, benefiting 14,000 households in Oromia and the Shebelle zone of the Somali Region.
However, the second-stage threshold was not initially met, leading to a pause in operations. But now, through a consultative process involving communities, the government, and other stakeholders, the ERCS is resuming its vital work.
More than 30 staff and volunteers have been mobilized to support this comprehensive activation. In Rayitu, for instance, four water points were serviced, benefiting over 5,500 people across eight hamlets. Additionally, 15 health workers were trained and deployed alongside experts to raise awareness about cholera and waterborne disease risks during drought conditions. These efforts reached approximately 28,000 community members over ten days.
The Bega Season's Impact
The Bega season, spanning October to December, is crucial for restoring rangelands grazed by livestock in southern and eastern Ethiopia. Unfortunately, by the end of October, rainfall in these areas was below average, indicating the need for continued vigilance.
The latest climate watch advisory from IGAD highlights the worsening drought conditions in southeastern Ethiopia, eastern Kenya, and southern Somalia due to the persistence of La Niña and negative Indian Ocean Dipole conditions. The advisory urges agencies to closely monitor the situation, as forecasts indicate a high likelihood of continued below-normal rainfall through January 2026, posing threats to agriculture, livestock, water resources, and food security.
The ERCS's proactive approach to drought resilience is a testament to its commitment to community well-being. By implementing its Early Action Protocol, the organization is ensuring that vulnerable populations have the support they need to navigate these challenging times.
And this is the part most people miss: early action protocols like these are crucial for effective disaster management. They allow organizations to respond swiftly and efficiently, minimizing the impact of disasters on communities.
What are your thoughts on the importance of early action in disaster preparedness? Do you think more organizations should adopt similar protocols? We'd love to hear your opinions in the comments below!
