OMERATE, Ethiopia (Reuters) -- Hundreds of Ethiopians marooned on small outcrops above flooded plains refused to abandon livestock despite rescuers' pleas on Saturday.

Special forces, sliding down ropes from helicopters and airdropping aid, tried to rescue people trapped by flash floods that have killed nearly 900 people and displaced almost 50,000 across the Horn of Africa nation this month.

CNN.com - Marooned Ethiopians refuse rescue - Aug 19, 2006