The five billion birr ($116 million) transferred from the National Bank of Ethiopia to banks in Tigray was reportedly fully paid out within a week. However, a shortage of cash has prevented reopened branches in Tigray from offering full services to customers. While the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia distributed the largest portion of the funds, many of its branches have stopped paying out money due to the cash shortage. Some district managers have expressed concern over an illegal cash flow among the community and that the situation will be a big challenge for banks if it is not addressed.