At least 50 individuals have lost their lives and 125 remain unaccounted for following landslides that struck three regions in southern Ethiopia after a period of intense precipitation, as per a local official’s statement on Thursday. The affected areas include the Gacho Baba District, Kamba District, and Bonke District in the Gamo Zone. Mesfin Manuqa, the director of disaster response in the Gamo Zone, confirmed the tragic incidents, noting that rescue efforts managed to save one individual trapped in the mud.
Abebe Agena, the communication chief of the Gacho Baba District, reported that the majority of the deceased were discovered buried under the mud, with the extent of households impacted still under assessment. In response to the calamity, Tilahun Kebede, the president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed condolences and advised residents to relocate to higher ground considering the ongoing rainfall.
Kebede emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating, “Considering the current rainy season and the potential for similar disasters, I urge communities inhabiting elevated and flood-prone areas to take necessary precautions.” The occurrence of mudslides and floods triggered by heavy rains is a recurrent challenge in Ethiopia, particularly during the wet season. Notably, in July 2024, a devastating mudslide resulting from intense rainfall led to the loss of 229 lives in southern Ethiopia.
