ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian Meteorology Agency warned Ethiopians on Tuesday over a prospect of above-average rainfall induced flood accidents in different parts of the east African country.
The announcement by the agency on Tuesday indicated that a probable above-average rainfall during the coming six days could result in an unprecedented flood as major rivers in the country could run out of their path.
The agency warned that rivers including Blue Nile, major tributary to the world's longest river Nile, could receive excessive water from the expected average and above-average rainfall that could threaten the lives of people living near and by the river banks.
Other Ethiopian rivers that could run out of their path also include river Baro in the Ethiopia-Sudan border, river Omo in the southern part of Ethiopia, and Awash in drought hit Ethiopia's Afar regional state, it was indicated.
The announcement by the agency came amid Ethiopia's battle with the ongoing drought scenario that hits parts of the east African country, affecting close to 8.5 million Ethiopians in need of emergency food and humanitarian assistance.
The announcement, however, valued the expected above-average rainfall as an advantage to agricultural production in drought affected arid and semi-arid parts of the country.
As some parts of the country still face below-average rainfall, the agency recommended farmers and institutions to take water saving measures during the coming days so as to combat the long-term impact of the drought.
The Ethiopian Meteorology Agency has also advised farmers to watch over their harvest from any threat that could emanate from the unprecedented rainfall.
