Death Toll Rises to 229 in Southern Ethiopia Landslides

The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has reached 229, as reported by local authorities on Tuesday. The Gofa Zone's communication affairs department confirmed that among the deceased are 148 males and 81 females, with children also among the victims. Local official Habtamu Fetena indicated that the number of casualties could rise further as rescue operations continue. The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, occurred in a remote area, with the first landslide burying many individuals. Tragically, a second landslide struck while rescuers were attempting to assist those trapped, resulting in additional fatalities. Dagmawi Ayele, an administrator for the zone, reported that five individuals were rescued from the mud and are currently receiving medical treatment. The local community remains engaged in search efforts for more survivors. Rescue operations have primarily relied on manual labor, with images from the scene depicting rescuers searching through the mud with their bare hands. Ethiopia is known to be susceptible to landslides during the rainy season, a fact supported by geological surveys. Recent months have seen heavy rains causing floods that have displaced thousands across the country, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Historically, southern Ethiopia has faced severe landslides, with OCHA noting that at least 43 people lost their lives to similar disasters last year. The region's vulnerability to such natural calamities continues to pose significant challenges for local communities.