Two landslides in southern Ethiopia’s Gofa region have resulted in a startling 229 fatalities, according to government officials, with the numbers predicted to escalate further as rescue operations persist. Triggered by heavy downpours, the first landslide struck on a Sunday evening, swiftly followed by a second slide the next morning, which tragically entrapped those who had turned out to assist victims of the first disaster.
“Recovery work continues, and we’re still locating bodies,” commented Markos Melese, leader of the National Disaster Response unit in the Gofa Zone, speaking to Reuters via phone call.
The catastrophe was revealed on Monday, with an official confirming at least 50 casualties, a figure that unfortunately escalated massively. Media coverage provided by the local authorities unveiled rescuers, utilising both shovels and their bare hands, in their attempt to unearth bodies.
Gofa district administrator Misikir Mitiku expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, stating that the death count inflated when rescuers got caught up in the second landslide.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed communicated his profound grief over the significant loss of life, confirming that national officials had been assigned to help minimise the calamity’s aftermath. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union, showed his support to the citizens and government of Ethiopia with a message on social media platform X.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Ethiopian head of the World Health Organisation (WHO), shared that he was reflecting on the affected families and confirmed a WHO team had been deployed to address immediate medical necessities.
With this stark reminder of climate change’s devastating potential, Workneh Gebeyehu, the executive secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, a regional bloc, urged the public to remain alert and abide by safety measures to safeguard lives and prevent further disasters.