Areas cut off by torrential rain in southeast

Torrential rain in southeastern Ethiopia has cut off some areas and raised concerns about health problems, humanitarian sources told IRIN on Thursday. The level of water in the Shebele river, in the Somali Region, rose by three metres in just one day to reach nearly 6.7 metres. The rushing water is reported to be very muddy and transporting huge logs and tree trunks, indicating the strength of the water's movement. The districts of Warder and Danot have been particularly affected and there is now a serious shelter problem, the sources said. People with poorly-built houses and internally displaced people are the most vulnerable. Residents have gathered in front of the local administration offices seeking help. Roads in both districts have been cut off by the rains, as have the areas of Kebri Dehar and Degeh Bur. Food has arrived at some points in Warder zone, ready for distribution. The area is normally very dry and suffers from recurring drought. Local elders have expressed surprise over the amount of rain received, the sources said.