There is a search underway for hundreds of people who are missing following devastating landslides in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is currently facing a devastating humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of two deadly landslides that struck the Gofa Zone in the southern region. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that these landslides have resulted in the tragic loss of life, with at least 257 people confirmed dead. Regrettably, the death toll is expected to increase as the situation unfolds. This catastrophe has not only shocked local communities but has also prompted a large-scale search and rescue operation to locate survivors and retrieve the deceased from the mud and debris.
Rescuers continue the difficult search for bodies and survivors in the area of Kencho Shacha Gozdi. Distraught locals are joining in, using their bare hands and shovels to dig through the mud.
The devastating series of landslides was triggered by an intense period of heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday, resulting in the first landslide. As people gathered to help those affected by the initial slide, a second landslide occurred, burying many of the rescuers and compounding the tragedy. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a warning that the total number of fatalities may climb as high as 500. Urgent evacuation of over 15,000 individuals from the affected areas has been deemed necessary to prevent any further loss of life.
Search and Rescue Efforts
As the search for survivors continues in the aftermath of the disaster, haunting scenes from the site depict the true extent of the devastation. Heart-wrenching images capture the unwavering dedication of both residents and volunteers, who are tirelessly employing hand shovels and even their bare hands to unearth bodies and seek out any remaining survivors. The unforgiving, mountainous landscape, coupled with the looming threat of further landslides, further complicates rescue efforts. In response to the crisis, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is set to make a visit to the remote region, where he will personally oversee the ongoing rescue operations and extend crucial support to the affected communities.
Impact and Response
The region has been experiencing seasonal rains since July, and these are expected to continue until mid-September. The prolonged rainfall has resulted in the soil becoming heavily saturated, significantly increasing the risk of landslides in the area. This situation highlights the region's susceptibility to natural disasters, which is further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change and inadequate infrastructure. The landslides have had a devastating impact, displacing thousands of people, and leading to the loss of homes and livelihoods.
In response to this disaster, various international and local organizations have initiated efforts to provide assistance to the affected communities. The Ethiopian Red Cross, along with other humanitarian agencies, has been at the forefront of delivering emergency relief such as food, shelter, and medical support. However, the magnitude of the disaster has strained the available resources, emphasizing the pressing need for additional aid to meet the escalating demands for support.
A Nation in Crisis
The landslides come when Ethiopia is already facing significant challenges, including conflict, drought, and flooding in other parts of the country. Over 21 million people, roughly 18% of the population, rely on humanitarian assistance due to these compounded crises. The government and humanitarian agencies are calling for increased international support to help mitigate the impact of these disasters and build resilience against future occurrences.
The death toll from the twin landslides has reached 257, with expectations that it will rise to 500, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The recent devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia have had a profound impact on the nation, emphasizing the urgent necessity for disaster preparedness and response. As search and rescue operations persist, the primary focus continues to be on delivering immediate relief and support to those affected while addressing the fundamental vulnerabilities that contribute to the severity of such disasters. The display of resilience and solidarity by the people of Ethiopia in the wake of this tragic event is commendable, but sustained international support is crucial for their recovery and rebuilding efforts.
For more information on the ongoing rescue efforts and how to help, you can visit the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the Ethiopian Red Cross Society.