The recent devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia have resulted in a tragic death toll exceeding 250 individuals, with fears that the number could potentially rise to 500, as reported by the United Nations in collaboration with local authorities.
The landslides struck the Gofa Zone over the course of Sunday and Monday, marking the deadliest occurrence of its kind ever recorded in Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa. The UN's humanitarian agency, OCHA, has highlighted the urgent need for the evacuation of thousands of individuals at high risk of further landslides. This includes approximately 1,320 children under the age of 5 and 5,293 pregnant and lactating women.
Efforts are underway as the government works on finalizing an evacuation plan to ensure the safety of the affected population. Residents and volunteers have been tirelessly digging through the mud in search of survivors, showcasing immense resilience and solidarity in the face of this tragedy.
Geological surveys indicate that Ethiopia is susceptible to landslides during the rainy season, with the southern region being particularly vulnerable. Recent heavy rains have triggered floods, displacing thousands of people in various parts of the country, as highlighted in a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Last year, OCHA reported that at least 43 individuals lost their lives due to floods and landslides, underscoring the recurring nature of these natural disasters in the region.
