Heavy rains have worsened the health and access situation, and respiratory infections and diarrhoea are common. Also at the new location (Sera) nothing was prepared for the 850 families, and the water supply is even worse than in Biddre.

For the third time, within a short period of time, a group of Ethiopians from the Hararghe province will be moved by the authorities. It concerns 850 families which belong to a larger group that moved from Hararghe to a former army base near Bale - and from there were moved by the authorities to a location near Biddre, both in the Oromya district.

Because of the bad preparation of the resettlement by the authorities, the living conditions for the displaced in Biddre are dire; there is insufficient shelter, a limited water supply, a lack of health care and insufficient food distribution.

Heavy rains have worsened the health and access situation, and respiratory infections and diarrhoea are common. Also at the new location (Sera) nothing was prepared for the 850 families, and the water supply is even worse than in Biddre. The reason for the move is so that people can start planting in time for the next harvest.

MSF has previously urged the authorities to plan the resettlements better, and is currently lobbying to provide adequate assistance (water, health care and food) after having visited the newest location. Initial results of lobbying by MSF seem to have resulted in shelter, tools and seeds being distributed, as well as a clinic being established by the authorities. MSF will continue to closely monitor the situation in the new site and will intervene in the event of any acute deterioration in the health status of the people.

MSF started work on several locations in the beginning of this year. In three relocation sites in Biddre MSF takes care of the water supply and supports three clinics, besides running a therapeutic feeding centre, where an average of 130 acutely malnourished children are being cared for.

Photo exhibition in the Netherlands

A photo report on the displaced from Hararghe is on display until June 22 on the Photo Festival in the Dutch town of Naarden. Under the title Lost, MSF shows work of Chris Keulen, Kadir van Lohuizen and Stephan Vanfleteren. The photographers report on the lives of displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Palestinian Territories and Ethiopia. The pictures from Ethiopia were taken in Bale.