Devastating mudslides in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia have left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of at least 55 individuals. The region, battered by heavy rainfall, witnessed the heartbreaking loss of young children and pregnant women among the victims.
Local administrator Dagmawi Ayele revealed that the majority of the casualties were a result of a mudslide that occurred on Monday morning. Rescue efforts were further complicated by the treacherous terrain, with another mudslide occurring the day before.
Despite the challenges, rescue teams managed to extract five survivors from the mud, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. Ayele painted a grim picture of the aftermath, describing children clinging to the lifeless bodies of their loved ones, having lost entire families in the disaster.
As rescue operations persist, the death toll is anticipated to climb higher, underscoring the severity of the situation. The rainy season in Ethiopia, which commenced in July and is slated to continue until mid-September, often brings about landslides, posing a recurring threat to vulnerable communities.
Authorities and humanitarian organizations are working tirelessly to provide aid and support to those affected by the calamity. The resilience and solidarity of the Ethiopian people shine through in the face of adversity, as efforts to mitigate the impact of natural disasters remain ongoing.
