The regional road from Mekelle to Abiy Addi climbs towards Hagere Selam, before going down to the Abergele lowlands.

The local economy is dependent on trading, agriculture, with barley being the main crop grown in the area, and on milk production and apiculture.

[1] The functional agglomeration of Hagere Selam is larger than its administrative boundaries, as urban houses are also built on adjacent land of nearby villages Dingilet, Harena and Melfa.

A small reservoir was built at the southern side of the town for sake of irrigation in Addi Selam, but it has been silted up because of erosion during road works.

For a long time, Melfa, west of Hagere Selam, was the capital of Tembien;[3] later on, the administration was established in Abiy Addi as it was easier of access.

In the subsequent days the town Hagere Selam was ‘entirely’ looted by Eritrean soldiers fighting on the side of the ENDF.

In Hagere Selam there was no water and little food and the hospital was in a dire situation as medical supplies were running critically low.

[8] Attractions include viewpoints at Ksad Addi Amyuq, fortifications of the Derg army on Imba Zuw'ala, and previous headquarters of TPLF in caves in neighbouring Mahbere Sillasie.