Arbaya, located in Belessa wereda, is the only main town of the drought-affected weredas accessible by road. Adi Selam, Beyeda and Janamora weredas are located in the Simien mountains and can only be reached on foot or horseback. The construction of a new road between Debark to Janamora is underway and so far 32 km out of 60 km is completed. The distribution point for the beneficiaries in Janamora and Beyeda weredas is located in Debark, which is approximately one to three days walk. The long distances to the distribution points has proved to be a problem for the elderly and weak who are forced to sell part of their food ration as they are not able to carry it to their homes.
Migration is no longer a dominant issue.
In-migration from the North Welo zone at the end of last year as well as the beginning of this year stopped when food distribution started around Sekota. Between December and April many heads of families move to Bahir Dar, Metema and Humera for temporary employment. Regarding the number of drought-affected persons in the zone, the RRC headquarters in Addis Ababa, the regional RRB in Bahir Dar and the zonal RRB office in Gondar have furnished different figures. EOC is distributing in Beyeda and Janamora weredas. The distribution center is in Debark.