Society Hands Over 42 Houses to Flood-Affected Families in Siltie Zone
On February 16, 2026 – The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has handed over 42 newly constructed houses to families affected by floods and windstorms in Silti and East Silti Woredas of Siltie Zone, Central Ethiopia Region.
The houses were built under the Ethiopia Landslide and Flood Project, which has been supporting communities impacted by disasters in Siltie Zone of Central Ethiopia Region, as well as in Gofa and Wolaita zones of South Ethiopia Region and West Hararge Zone of Oromia Region.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ERCS Deputy Secretary General Mr. Dires Desyibelew said the event was not only about transferring houses, but about restoring dignity, safety, and hope to families affected by last year’s floods.
“Our country has been challenged by natural and man-made disasters, and it continues to face such challenges,” he noted. “For the past 90 years, the Society, in coordination with its partners, has been fulfilling its humanitarian responsibility by responding to those in need.”
He stated that following the devastating landslide in Gofa in July 2024, ERCS launched an appeal to raise 900 million birr for disaster response and recovery efforts, mobilizing 520 million birr to support affected communities.
In Siltie Zone alone, the Society allocated more than 42 million birr over the past year. Of this, 21 million birr was invested in the construction of the 42 houses, while nearly 14 million birr was distributed as cash assistance to 665 households in three rounds. In addition, agricultural inputs were provided to 665 households whose crops were damaged by rain and windstorms. ERCS also delivered ambulance services, conducted environmental protection activities, raised community awareness, and deployed volunteers.
“Above all, we have been working to build resilient communities by restoring hope and rebuilding lives, and we will continue to do so,” he said, expressing gratitude to all partners and stakeholders.
Siltie Zone Administrator Ato Zeyne Beka praised the Red Cross for its frontline humanitarian role during recurring disasters in the area.
“Our zone is prone to frequent fires, and floods occur every three to four years due to weather conditions,” he said. “During the severe floods of mid-2024, more than 2,000 households were displaced.”
He explained that constructing houses on higher ground was adopted as a permanent solution to protect families from future flooding while allowing them to remain within their communities. “Rather than providing only emergency relief, these houses contribute to sustainable development and stable lives,” he said.
He further emphasized the zone’s readiness to strengthen collaboration with ERCS, particularly in supporting irrigation-based agriculture and enhancing community self-reliance through improved seeds and livelihood support.
Robi Wambura, Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Delegate at the IFRC Country Cluster Delegation for Ethiopia and Djibouti, described the handover as a milestone in moving from emergency response to recovery and resilience-building.
“This is not just a handover of houses—it is an assurance of dignity and livelihood for affected communities,” she said.
She highlighted that the response was supported by several partners, including the governments of the Republic of Korea and Monaco, the Finnish, Japanese, Netherlands, Canadian, and Monaco Red Cross Societies, as well as the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO).
According to her, the project adopted an integrated approach, combining shelter construction with farm inputs, essential household items, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) components. Although the project is scheduled to conclude in March 2026, she underscored that the initiative marks the beginning of stronger resilience efforts.
“We remain committed to supporting the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and communities in Ethiopia to build resilience and prepare for future disasters,” she affirmed.
Mrs. Harewuya Hassen, Board Chairperson of the ERCS Siltie Zone Branch Office, noted that since its establishment in 1935, ERCS has carried out extensive humanitarian and development activities nationwide. She added that the Siltie Zone Branch Office, established in October 2010, has been actively delivering humanitarian services, ambulance services, and Red Cross pharmacy services in the zone.
Dr. Daniel Anchiso, Head of ERCS Central Ethiopia Regional Branch Office, said the successful recovery of the community demonstrates its resilience and the power of cooperation.
“This project is a strong example of humanity and collaboration. It has helped the community regain its dignity and rebuild its life,” he stated.
During the ceremony, Ato Muhaba Hussen, Head of the ERCS Siltie Zone Branch Office, presented the overall project progress report. He detailed that, in addition to constructing 42 houses, 665 households received monthly cash assistance of 6,900 birr for three months, totaling about 14 million birr. These households also received maize and onion seeds, soil fertilizers worth 4.2 million birr, and improved mango and avocado seedlings to boost agricultural production and strengthen food security. The project further included health, WASH, and environmental protection activities.
The handover ceremony was attended by ERCS officials, representatives of partner organizations, government officials from the Central Ethiopia Region, Siltie Zone, Silti and East Silti Woredas, and members of the local community.