Communities in Aba’la town are facing severe hardship following prolonged dry conditions, with residents reporting that the area has received little or no rain for nearly two years.

The prolonged lack of rainfall has placed increasing pressure on families who depend heavily on livestock and natural water sources for their livelihoods. Residents say water and pasture have become increasingly difficult to find, leaving livestock weak and vulnerable.

The situation is reportedly particularly serious in Haramalina and Hurkudi kebeles, where numerous livestock have been found dead in the bush. These conditions were documented by reporters from the Amharic-language edition of The Reporter newspaper, who travelled to the area and spoke with residents about the impact of the drought.

Among those interviewed was Ahmed Musa, who told the reporters that four of his 12 livestock had died as a result of the difficult conditions. His account illustrates the growing losses faced by pastoralist households in the area.which brought attention to the worsening situation facing communities and their livestock in the area. Another resident, Aysha Kedir, told the reporters that one of her cows died three months after giving birth. The drought has also severely affected her crop production. She told the paper that two hectares of sorghum she had planted were destroyed by the dry conditions, leaving her dependent on money sent by family members living abroad to meet her basic needs.

In Hurkudi kebele, a reservoir that was used to provide water for livestock has reportedly dried up. Many animals have become so weak and exhausted that they are reportedly unable to leave their owners’ compounds in search of water and pasture.

The crisis is compounded by the disruption of traditional trade links between Afar and Tigray. In the past, there was an important trade connection between communities in the two regions. However, following the war and continuing security challenges, movement and trade between the areas have become increasingly difficult. Despite the fact that Mekelle, the capital of Tigray Region, is only about 40 kilometers from Aba’la, residents say that movement and trade between the two areas have become extremely difficult because of the prevailing security situation.

The situation highlights the combined impact of drought, livestock losses, disrupted trade and insecurity on communities in Aba’la.