However, in August 1999, a planned release of waters from the Koka Reservoir resulted in flooding by the Awash—although an investigation afterwards showed the flooding was caused by dike failures and silting of the Awash, especially around Melka Were. Approximately  of cropland from 12 rural kebeles in Amibara and 3 rural kebeles in Dulecha were affected.
However, in August 1999, a scheduled release of water from Koka Reservoir led to flooding by the Awash—though an investigation later revealed that the flooding was due to dike failures and sediment buildup in the Awash, particularly near Melka Were. Approximately  of farmland from 12 rural kebeles in Amibara and 3 rural kebeles in Dulecha were impacted.