At Least 80 Dead, 125 Remain Missing After Heavy Rain Triggers Devastating Landslides, Leaving People Buried in Mud

Thousands of residents in Southern Ethiopia have been forced from their homes following a week of torrential rainfall, which led to devastating landslides and flash floods in the region. The Gamo Zone has been particularly hard hit, with alarming reports of casualties and widespread destruction emerging in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

The Ethiopian government has confirmed that at least 80 individuals have lost their lives as a result of the landslides, while approximately 125 people are still unaccounted for. This tragic incident occurred in Laka Kebele, situated within the Gacho Baba Woreda. In light of the widespread loss, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia’s House of Representatives has declared a three-day period of national mourning to honour those who have perished.

Tilahun Kebede, the president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, conveyed his profound sympathies in a public statement. Expressing his sadness over the tragedy, he said, “May God put the souls of those who died in the accident in heaven. I sincerely wish that God gives comfort to all their families and friends.” Kebede urged local authorities to provide continued support to those affected and stressed the importance of preparedness for potential future incidents, as the rainy season persists.

Rescue operations have been underway, with reports indicating that one survivor has been successfully pulled from the debris. However, as recovery efforts continue, the search for those still missing is a priority for local authorities. Mesfin Manuqa, the Gamo Zone’s director of disaster response, has reported that ongoing rescue efforts aim to locate and assist any remaining individuals trapped in the mud.

Further complicating matters, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has noted that approximately 3,461 people have been displaced as a direct consequence of the calamity. These individuals now face a considerable humanitarian crisis, having lost not only their homes but also their livelihoods, as many fields have been rendered unusable. The situation has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts to deliver essential supplies and assistance to those affected.

In response, Berhanu Adelo, Chief Commissioner of the International Society for the Empowerment of Marginalised Communities (ISEMCO), has assured that the organisation will escalate its efforts to monitor the conditions of the displaced population and advocate for the provision of necessary resources. He emphasised the organisation’s commitment to addressing the needs of those impacted and coordinating with relevant authorities to ensure an effective response.

A spokesperson from the Gacho Baba District also indicated that many of the deceased were found buried beneath the mud and debris, underscoring the tragic nature of the disaster and its far-reaching effects on the community. In a show of solidarity, the office of the president announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast across the country, including on ships and at embassies and consulates, as a symbol of mourning for the victims.

As the recovery operations continue, officials have expressed hope for the successful reunion of families with missing loved ones. Local authorities remain committed to mobilising resources and support for the survivors, but the immediate future looks grim for those left in the wake of this calamity. With the growing threat posed by heavy rainfall and landslides, it is crucial for communities in vulnerable areas to take precautions and remain vigilant.

In the face of such tragedy, the resilience of the affected communities will be crucial in rebuilding and recovering from this disaster. As the search and rescue efforts persist, the nation stands united in mourning and support for those who have faced profound loss in Southern Ethiopia. With the rainy season still ongoing, it highlights the pressing need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness strategies to mitigate the impacts of future disasters.