At least 229 people have lost their lives in two devastating landslides that occurred in the remote region of Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia, on July 22 and 23, 2024. The disasters were triggered by heavy rains that hit the area.
The first landslide occurred on Monday morning and was followed by a second one later in the day. Most of those killed were rescue workers who had rushed to help those affected by the initial landslide.
According to reports, at least 148 men and 81 women have been identified among the victims. The search for survivors is ongoing, with hundreds of people digging through the mud with their bare hands in an attempt to locate those still missing.
Gofa zone is located about 320km (199 miles) southwest of Addis Ababa, in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). The region has been experiencing heavy rains since the beginning of the short seasonal rains between April and May. These rains have caused flooding and mass displacement in various parts of Ethiopia.
In 2018, at least 32 people were killed in landslides in the southern region of Ethiopia. The United Nations reports that millions of people face malnutrition due to recent climate-related challenges.
The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed condolences and solidarity with Ethiopia following the tragedy.
Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone, urged people to remain vigilant and warned that the death toll could rise further as rescue efforts continue. He also called for emergency assistance from local and international organizations to support those affected by the disasters.
