At least 50 individuals have lost their lives, and 125 are unaccounted for following landslides that struck three regions in southern Ethiopia after a week of intense rainfall, as per a local official’s statement on Thursday. The landslides occurred in Gamo Zone, impacting the Gacho Baba, Kamba, and Bonke Districts, according to Mesfin Manuqa, the director of disaster response in Gamo Zone.
During the rescue efforts, one individual was successfully rescued from the mud, as mentioned by Manuqa. Abebe Agena, the communication chief of Gacho Baba District, noted that most of the deceased were discovered buried in the mud, with the extent of affected households still undetermined.
Tilahun Kebede, the President of the South Ethiopia Regional State, conveyed his condolences over the tragedy and advised locals to relocate to higher ground due to ongoing rainfall. He emphasized the need for communities residing in highlands and flood-prone areas to take necessary safety measures, considering the recurring nature of such disasters during the rainy season.
Ethiopia frequently witnesses mudslides and floods due to heavy precipitation, particularly in the rainy season. In a previous incident in July 2024, 229 individuals lost their lives in southern Ethiopia due to a devastating mudslide triggered by heavy rains.