International News

Ethiopia Landslide Death Toll Climbs to 146

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 23, 2024

News Views: 25

The death toll from a catastrophic landslide in southern Ethiopia has climbed to at least 146, with authorities cautioning that the number could rise further.

The landslide struck at around 10:00 am on Monday following heavy rainfall in the mountainous area of South Ethiopia regional state. Initial figures had placed the death toll at 55.

Quoting local official Habtamu Fetena, the Gofa zone Communications Affairs Department reported that the death toll from the landslide in Geze-Gofa district of Gofa zone has now exceeded 146.

Habtamu confirmed that the remains of 96 men and 50 women had been recovered, adding that search operations are ongoing vigorously, and the number of fatalities could increase.

Photos shared by state-affiliated media outlet Fana Broadcasting Corporate on Monday showed hundreds of people at the landslide site, desperately using their hands to dig through the debris in search of survivors.

The Gofa zone is located roughly 450 kilometers (270 miles) from Addis Ababa, about a 10-hour drive, and lies to the north of Maze National Park.

The South Ethiopia regional state has been heavily impacted by short seasonal rains between April and early May, resulting in flooding and mass displacement, as reported by the UN’s humanitarian response agency OCHA.