ETHIOPIA — Violent conflict in Ethiopia’s northernmost region of Tigray has sent hundreds of thousands of displaced Ethiopians fleeing from their homes. Samaritan’s Purse is working with local churches and other groups to identify and provide food for the most vulnerable families in their communities.

Their teams and partners, including churches, are distributing food baskets with enough for a month’s supply of wheat flour, rice, beans, oil, and salt. Additionally, we are providing cooking and hygiene kits.

Right now they are working in an area that has become a hotspot for these hurting people. Many traveled nearly 200 miles to escape fighting. Families are temporarily sheltering in schools, churches or mosques in the area.

Endegena Esayiyas, Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse DC-8 cargo aircraft just landed in Mekelle Alula Aba Nega Airport in Ethiopia. Samaritan’s Purse has been providing humanitarian assistance and support to people affected by conflict in Tigray since early February.

Kristian Rosenberger, Samaritan’s Purse:

Where we are now is a community that has been cut off from the major cities. So the markets have been shut down and the income generating opportunities have been cut off as well. So we’re here today distributing to 400 families.

Paul Carr, Samaritan’s Purse:

Food items consist of rice, grains, cooking oil, and wheat. Non-food items are cooking items, washing bowls. So we’re really grateful to be able to be here to support the people of Ethiopia through this time. And really the recent conflict has just compounded the extreme need that already existed within this area. So we’re just super grateful to be able to be here to support them practically and also spiritually, sharing the love and hope of Jesus through this time.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

Read more news on World Hunger, Humanitarian Services, and Disaster Relief on Missions Box.