Mudslides in Ethiopia Claim 157 Lives

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — A devastating series of mudslides in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia has resulted in the deaths of at least 157 individuals, local authorities reported on Tuesday. The tragedy unfolded as many victims were attempting to rescue survivors from an earlier mudslide, highlighting the perilous conditions exacerbated by heavy rainfall in the region. Among the deceased are young children and pregnant women, underscoring the human toll of this natural disaster. The death toll has seen a dramatic increase from 55 reported on Monday to 157 as search and rescue operations continue. Kassahun Abayneh, head of the Gofa Zone communications office, confirmed the rising numbers, indicating the scale of the disaster. Most victims were caught in a mudslide that occurred on Monday morning while rescuers were still searching for survivors from a previous incident. Local administrator Dagmawi Ayele described the harrowing scenes, noting that some children were found clinging to the bodies of their family members, having lost their entire families in the catastrophe. The emotional impact of the disaster is profound, with entire families wiped out in moments. Landslides are a frequent occurrence during Ethiopia's rainy season, which began in July and is expected to continue until mid-September. The government and local agencies are mobilizing resources to assist in recovery efforts and support the affected communities during this tragic time.