Death Toll from Ethiopia Landslides Could Jump to 500, UN Says

The death toll from landslides in Ethiopia earlier this week has risen to 257 and is expected to almost double, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said on Thursday.

Heavy rains triggered a landslide that buried people in the Gofa Zone of southern Ethiopia on Sunday night. A second landslide on Monday engulfed those engaged in rescue efforts.

The death toll is expected to rise to up to 500 people as per information received from local authorities,” UNOCHA said in a report.

The escalating death toll highlights the severity of the landslides in Ethiopia’s Gofa Zone, emphasizing the urgent need for continued rescue efforts and international assistance.