Southern Ethiopia has been struck by a devastating tragedy as two landslides have resulted in the deaths of at least 157 people. The catastrophic events unfolded in the Gofa Zone, with the first landslide triggered by heavy rains occurring on Monday. Moments later, a second landslide buried rescuers who had rushed to the scene, compounding the disaster.
The death toll, which initially stood at 55, has surged as search and rescue operations continue. Kassahun Abayneh, head of the Gofa Zone communications office, confirmed the rising numbers, noting that recovery efforts are ongoing and more bodies are likely still buried beneath the debris.
District administrator Misikir Mitiku reported that the initial landslide engulfed three families, but the situation worsened when those coming to help were also caught in the subsequent slide. Despite the harrowing circumstances, local residents have been seen desperately digging through the red earth with their bare hands in a bid to recover survivors or retrieve bodies.
Since the disaster, at least five people have been rescued alive from the mud. The tragic irony of this disaster is that it has struck during a period when other parts of Ethiopia are grappling with severe drought conditions, highlighting the stark contrast in the country’s environmental crises.
The Ethiopian government has warned that the death toll may continue to rise as search operations are furthered. The situation remains dire, with the community and emergency services working tirelessly amidst the ongoing challenge of recovery and rescue.
