At least 146 people have been killed in two landslides that struck a remote mountainous area in the Gofa zone, southern Ethiopia, local officials reported to the BBC on Tuesday. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, has prompted an intense search and rescue operation, with authorities warning the death toll could rise further.
Dagmawi Ayele, chief administrator of Gofa zone, told the BBC that the victims include both adults and children – 90 males and 46 females. Ten survivors have been rescued and are receiving treatment in hospital.
The first landslide occurred on Sunday evening, with a second following on Monday morning as rescue efforts were underway. “We are still digging,” Ayele said, indicating that search operations are ongoing.
Footage from the scene shows hundreds of people gathered, with many digging through mud and debris in search of trapped victims. A partially collapsed hillside and a large exposed area of red earth are visible in the background.
The Gofa zone, located approximately 320km southwest of the capital Addis Ababa, is part of the Southern Ethiopia region that has experienced particularly heavy rains and flooding in recent months, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha).
This disaster highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in the region. In May 2016, at least 50 people were killed in floods and landslides in southern Ethiopia. Climate experts warn that such incidents may become more common as global temperatures rise due to climate change.
As rescue efforts continue, the tragedy underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate change mitigation strategies in vulnerable regions. The international community’s attention is now focused on supporting the rescue operations and providing aid to the affected communities in southern Ethiopia.
Source: bbc.com
