Dechatu River

TheDechatu Riveris ariverof easternEthiopia.It rises in theAhmar Mountainsto flow north through the second largest city in the country,Dire Dawatowards theAwash River,entering the city at9°35′N41°52′E.It is unclear if either its flow or river bed eventually reach the Awash. The river appears to lose itself in the Cantur Plain (Buren Meda) north of Dire Dawa.

Floods

The riverfloodsperiodically during the June-to-September rainy season. In 2005 around 200 people were killed by floodwaters and crocodiles. A flood in August 2006 killed at least 300, including 200 in the city of Dire Dawa. The city suffered extensive damage and thousands of its inhabitants were displaced. Communications infrastructure was damaged and the main road to the capitalAddis Ababawas cut off.On 24 April 2020, as a result of heavy rain in the upland catchment, the flooded Decchatu river killed 4 people and left 2 residents with heavy injuries, washing away more than 30 houses.

See also

• List of Ethiopian rivers