Tragedy struck a remote region of southern Ethiopia on Monday as two landslides claimed the lives of 229 individuals, according to local authorities. The communication affairs department of Gofa Zone reported that among the deceased were 148 males and 81 females, with children also tragically counted among the victims.
Officials attributed the landslides to heavy rainfall, with the first one burying many individuals and a subsequent landslide claiming the lives of several individuals involved in rescue efforts. Despite the challenging conditions, five people were successfully rescued from the mud and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Local communities have rallied together in search and rescue operations, with photos from the site depicting the harrowing efforts of individuals combing through the mud with bare hands. The excavation work has largely been carried out through sheer manpower.
Geological surveys indicate that Ethiopia is prone to landslides during the rainy season, with recent months witnessing floods that have displaced thousands of people in various parts of the country. Last year, at least 43 individuals lost their lives due to floods and landslides, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
This is not the first time that southern Ethiopia has faced such devastation. In May 2018, twin landslides in the West Arsi, Sidama, and Gamo Gofa zones resulted in the loss of 45 lives within a span of hours.
