The recent landslides in southern Ethiopia have resulted in a rising death toll, currently reported at 257. This number is expected to increase significantly, with estimates suggesting it could reach as high as 500, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The OCHA provided these updates based on local authorities’ reports, indicating that more than 15,000 individuals are at high risk of further landslides and urgently need to be evacuated to safer areas. Mesker Miteku, the head of the Gofa district, where the disaster occurred, explained that the initial landslide impacted nine homes. This region is located approximately 470 kilometers from the capital, Addis Ababa.
The destruction of homes was caused by heavy rains that fell late Sunday into Monday, prompting local residents and police to initiate rescue efforts for those trapped under debris. Sadly, while these operations were ongoing, a second landslide struck, and OCHA noted that there had been three sequential landslides in total.
A team of evaluators from various humanitarian organizations has reached the remote affected area, collaborating with local authorities to coordinate the disaster response. The Red Cross has responded by dispatching four truckloads of supplies to support the efforts. To date, at least 125 people have been forced to leave their homes and are being accommodated by local communities, while twelve individuals have been hospitalized for injuries sustained during the disaster.
The search and rescue operations continue, led by local authorities with support from the Ethiopian Red Cross and community volunteers. They are tirelessly digging through mounds of mud using only their hands and shovels due to a lack of better tools. The landslides occurred around 10:00 AM local time, as community members were searching for potential victims of the heavy rains.
According to a volunteer involved in the rescue missions, many families are identifying the bodies of missing loved ones, while unclaimed corpses are being buried on-site. To aid in the ongoing operations, the Federal Disaster Prevention Working Group has been dispatched to the region to help mitigate the effects of the disaster.
As the situation unfolds, heartfelt messages of condolences and solidarity pour in for the families of the deceased. Mahamat expressed his sorrow over the tragic losses and affirmed support for Ethiopia during this challenging time.
Ethiopia, along with other countries in the Horn of Africa, has faced severe weather-related challenges in recent years, including extreme floods and droughts exacerbated by climate change, leaving many in the region vulnerable.
For further information on the impact of climate change in East Africa, check resources from organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.
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