Sept 10, 2006 - Nearly 3,900 people in Gambella State have been displaced due to the overflowing of three rivers in the State, the State Disaster Prevention and Food Security Bureau said.

Bureau head Ukoch Umod told ENA Friday that people from 10 woredas of the State have been displaced following the overflow of Baro, Alero and Akobo rivers.

Ukoch said two people and over 1,440 animals have been killed due to the flood that occurred in 95 kebeles of the State, adding the flood has damaged crops on 11,800 hectares of land.

He said a task force comprising 13 bureaus has visited the flooded areas and assessed the magnitude of the disaster adding, they are looking for ways in which the people could be evacuated from the areas as well as ways in which humanitarian aid could be provide to them.

The task force is also looking for ways in which humanitarian assistance could be provided using motor boats in areas where there is no road transport access, he added.

Ukoch said so far over 100 quintals of food aid as well as five cartons of edible oil has been dispatched to the people displaced from Kalare Woreda.

He said the State Health Bureau in cooperation with various organs has been exerting efforts to prevent the possible outbreak of malaria epidemic in the areas.

The head called on the federal government and the federal DPPA to further accelerate the ongoing humanitarian support for the people.

Ukoch said the task force and various pertinent bodies are warning the people in the state to take the necessary precautions as the rivers could continue to overflow.