At least 64 killed and dozens reported missing in Ethiopian disaster

Death Toll from Landslides and Flooding in Ethiopia Rises to at Least 64

At least 64 people have died due to landslides and flooding in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia, according to authorities. The South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission reported that 128 people are still missing.

In a statement on Facebook, police officials stated that 64 bodies had been discovered, with most of those who died found buried in mud. Abebe Agena, communication chief for the Gacho Baba district, confirmed this information.

Mesfin Manuqa, director of disaster response for the Gamo Zone, reported that one person was rescued alive during rescue operations. Tilahun Kebede, president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed condolences to those affected and urged residents in flood-prone areas to move to higher ground due to ongoing rainfall.

Heavy rains have caused flooding across East Africa, with Nairobi, Kenya experiencing significant damage on Friday. The region has seen an increase in extreme weather events over the past 20 years, according to multiple studies. Climate change is believed to be contributing to these changes.

In July 2024, a similar mudslide occurred in southern Ethiopia, resulting in more than 250 deaths.

Source: Al Jazeera