The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has climbed to over 100, with officials warning that the number may rise further. The disasters struck in the remote Gofa zone, with the initial landslide triggered by heavy rains occurring on Monday. This was followed by a second landslide that hit rescuers who had gathered to assist the victims.
As of Tuesday, at least 157 bodies have been recovered from two villages in the affected area, according to Markos Melese, the zonal head of the national disaster response agency in Gofa. The search efforts are ongoing, with many bodies still believed to be buried under the debris. Reports vary slightly, with AFP citing at least 146 dead, while The Associated Press updated the figure from 55 to 157.
District administrator Misikir Mitiku explained that the tragedy initially involved three families who were buried by the landslide. The situation worsened as those who came to help also became trapped. “We need earth-moving machines to aid in the recovery,” Mitiku said, highlighting the immense challenge faced by rescuers.
Gofa, part of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), is situated about 320 kilometers southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa. The second landslide struck mere minutes after the first, compounding the disaster. Kemal Hashi Mohamoud, a local parliamentarian, reported that efforts are underway to provide shelter and food to the affected communities.
Local administrator Dagmawi Ayele confirmed that the victims include children and pregnant women. Images from the scene, shared by Fana Broadcasting Corporate, depict hundreds of people digging through the red earth with their bare hands, emphasizing the scale of the devastation.
This region has been hit hard by seasonal rains, leading to flooding and significant displacement. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), floods earlier this year impacted over 19,000 people, displacing many and causing extensive damage.
The Southern Nations region has seen landslides before, including a 2018 incident that claimed 32 lives. The current disaster comes amid a backdrop of severe drought in other parts of Ethiopia, which has exacerbated food insecurity and malnutrition among millions across the country.
