Tragic Landslide in Southern Ethiopia Claims at Least 146 Lives

A landslide in a remote area of southern Ethiopia has claimed the lives of at least 146 individuals. This catastrophic event occurred at around 10:00 am (0700 GMT) on Monday in the mountainous region of Gofa, located in the South Ethiopia regional state. The incident followed heavy rains that triggered the deadly landslide.

According to Habtamu Fetena, a local official quoted in a statement by the Gofa zone Communications Affairs Department, the death toll comprises 96 men and 50 women. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, and officials warn that the number of fatalities could rise as efforts continue to locate more victims buried under the debris.

Increasing Death Toll and Search Efforts

Initially, local authorities reported a death toll of 55 on Monday. However, the remoteness of the region and limited access to information have contributed to the rapidly rising count. The images shared on social media by local authorities depict a grim scene, with large crowds of people desperately digging through the tumbled red soil using their bare hands. The absence of official rescue services highlights the challenges faced in this rural and inaccessible area.

The Gofa zone, situated roughly 450 kilometers (270 miles) from Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, is characterized by its rugged terrain and vulnerable soil. An Ethiopian refugee living in Kenya, originally from a neighboring district to Geze-Gofa, described the region as having inherently weak soil. He explained that heavy rains often lead to landslides, causing the soil to quickly slide down the slopes, exacerbating the disaster’s impact.

Climate Vulnerability and Previous Disasters

Ethiopia, with a population of around 120 million people, is highly susceptible to climate-related disasters, including flooding and drought. The South Ethiopia regional state has recently endured significant challenges due to short seasonal rains between April and early May. These rains have caused extensive flooding and mass displacement. According to the United Nations’ humanitarian response agency OCHA, the floods have impacted over 19,000 people, displacing more than a thousand and damaging livelihoods and infrastructure.

The region has a tragic history of landslides. In 2018, at least 32 people lost their lives in two separate landslides within the span of a week. These recurring natural disasters highlight the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in vulnerable areas.

Urgent Need for Support and Resilience Building

The current disaster in Gofa underscores the urgent need for support and resilience-building measures in Ethiopia’s vulnerable regions. Strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and providing timely humanitarian aid are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future. Additionally, addressing the underlying factors contributing to climate vulnerability, such as deforestation and land degradation, is essential to reducing the risk of landslides and other climate-related disasters.

As the search for survivors continues, the Ethiopian government and international organizations must collaborate to provide immediate assistance to the affected communities. Ensuring that rescue operations are well-coordinated and that relief supplies reach those in need will be critical in the coming days.

Conclusion

The tragic landslide in southern Ethiopia’s Gofa zone serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable communities. With the death toll already at 146 and expected to rise, the need for robust disaster preparedness and resilience measures is more urgent than ever. As the country mourns the loss of lives, efforts must be intensified to support the affected communities and prevent such tragedies in the future.