At least 50 individuals have lost their lives, and 125 are unaccounted for following landslides that struck three areas in southern Ethiopia after significant rainfall over the past week, as stated by a regional official on Thursday. The affected regions include the Gacho Baba District, Kamba District, and Bonke District within the Gamo Zone.
During the rescue efforts, one individual was successfully rescued from the mud, confirmed Mesfin Manuqa, the director of disaster response in the Gamo Zone. Abebe Agena, the communication chief of Gacho Baba District, mentioned that most of the fatalities were discovered buried in the mud, with the total number of impacted households yet to be determined.
Tilahun Kebede, the president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed condolences over the tragic event and advised locals to relocate to higher ground due to ongoing rains. He emphasized the necessity for precautionary measures, particularly for communities residing in elevated and flood-prone areas, given the rainy season’s potential for recurring disasters.
Ethiopia frequently faces mudslides and floods triggered by heavy downpours, notably during the rainy season. In a previous incident in July 2024, 229 lives were lost in a devastating mudslide in southern Ethiopia caused by intense rainfall.