It is being reported that more than 10,000 Ethiopians have fled into Kenya following deadly clashes in the border town of Moyale.
Until now a number of displaced Ethiopian families are still seeking safety in Kenya, with temporary shelter and humanitarian assistance being organized around the Moyale town.
The violence erupted on the Ethiopian side of Moyale amid escalating tensions between the Oromia and Somali regional communities.
According to reports, the immediate tensions have been linked to a dispute involving the raising of the Somali regional flag in an area administered by Oromia.
Fighting has involved armed groups from the two communities, forcing civilians to flee their homes.
Nearly ten people, if not more, have been killed so far.
The body count has been documented by a hospital official on the Ethiopian side of the border.
At least 30 other persons have been badly injured in the clashes.
They were all taken to hospitals and health centers.
A woman in Kenyan Moyale reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the neck but she has already received medical treatment.
The influx of displaced people is creating urgent humanitarian needs.
Many families have crossed the border with few belongings and require shelter, food, clean drinking water, healthcare and other essential supplies.
The Kenya Red Cross says it has begun providing emergency assistance like tents, blankets, sleeping mats, kitchen supplies and food for vulnerable families.
Kenyan authorities, on the other hand, are monitoring the situation and strengthening security along the border.
Although the fighting is taking place in Ethiopia, its effects are being felt directly across the border in Kenya, particularly in Moyale, where humanitarian teams are working to support those arriving.
Ethiopia has experienced several security challenges in recent years, but the current crisis centers on the clashes involving the Oromia and Somali regional communities.
The immediate priorities are protecting civilians, preventing further violence and ensuring displaced families receive the assistance they need.
Ethiopia is almost 70 percent Christian. It has been the official state religion of that region since the 4th century AD.
However the Sunni Islam sect accounts for most of the remaining religious affiliations and apparently the conflict is occurring in a region of Ethiopia where Islam is the predominant religion.