At one graveyard, hundreds of graves were scattered around an area about half the size of a football pitch. Freshly dug graves, one metre long, are everywhere. Emergency aid is coming in, but the international community and the Ethiopian Government have been criticised for doing too little too late. The Ogaden Welfare Society, together with the UN World Food Programme and US Agency for International Development, are trying to get more aid such as cereal and other foods into the area. But there are many logistical problems.
Some areas are largely inaccessible, as road infrastructure is poor.
Another reason is that the bidding process, where truck companies bid to take the goods to required areas, is long and bureaucratic. This needs to addressed immediately. There are also reports of rebel movements, banditry and clan-based fighting in the region, which many believe is the reason for the international community's slow response. But the zonal government deputy chairman, Mr Abdulaziz says these reports are exaggerated and there are no security problems in the Gode area. This area is safe.