Deadly Landslides in Ethiopia Claim 80 Lives, Many Missing After Heavy Flooding
At least 80 people have been killed and many more are missing following devastating landslides in Ethiopia, triggered by heavy rainfall across East Africa. The landslides struck the southern Gamo Zone area on Tuesday, causing widespread destruction and displacing thousands of residents.
Three-Day Mourning Period Declared as Death Toll Expected to Rise
Ethiopian authorities have declared a three-day mourning period, set to begin on Saturday, in response to the tragic loss of life. Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives Tagesse Chafo announced the mourning period, emphasizing the severity of the disaster. The death toll is likely to increase as rescue efforts continue and many individuals remain unaccounted for.
According to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the landslides have displaced an additional 3,461 people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Local communities are actively searching for victims in the Gacho Baba district of the Gamo Zone, where the landslides caused significant damage.
Heavy Rainfall Across East Africa Worsens Flooding and Landslides
The landslides in Ethiopia are part of a broader pattern of severe weather affecting East Africa. Heavy rains have pounded countries across the region in recent days, leading to flash floods and further casualties. In neighbouring Kenya, at least 62 people have been killed due to flash floods, with the country experiencing heavy rain since late February, marking the start of the long rainy season.
Previous rainy seasons in the region have resulted in similar disasters, including flooding, landslides, and mudslides that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of people. Governments across East Africa are urging residents to exercise caution as more rain is expected in the coming weeks.
Climate Prediction Centre Warns of Above-Average Rainfall
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre has issued warnings about the ongoing rainy season. Last month, the centre reported that the March-April-May rainy season has a 45% chance of above-average rainfall across most countries in the region. This includes Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan, Northern Somalia, and Djibouti.
This prediction underscores the heightened risk of further flooding and landslides, highlighting the need for preparedness and emergency response measures. The combination of heavy rainfall and vulnerable terrain in areas like the Gamo Zone increases the likelihood of similar disasters occurring in the future.
As rescue operations continue in Ethiopia, the focus remains on locating missing individuals and providing aid to those displaced by the landslides. The international community is monitoring the situation closely, with efforts underway to support affected communities and mitigate the impact of the severe weather conditions.
