The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen to more than 100 people, with the number expected to increase. The first landslide occurred in a remote region of Gofa zone following heavy rains, and a second one buried people who had gathered to help. At least 157 bodies have been recovered from two villages, with many more still to be found. Residents were seen using their bare hands to dig through the dirt in search of survivors, with the need for earth-moving machines to assist in recovery operations.
The area is part of the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) and has been hit hard by short seasonal rains causing flooding and mass displacement. Children and pregnant women were among the victims of the landslides and hundreds of people were seen near the scene of the disaster, helping in the search and recovery efforts. The UN has reported that millions in the country face malnutrition due to recent climate-related challenges.
This is not the first time the southern region has experienced landslides, with at least 32 people killed in similar incidents in 2018. The landslides and flooding come as parts of the country are facing severe drought, prompting traditional herding communities to explore alternative food production methods. The situation highlights the ongoing climate-related challenges facing Ethiopia and the need for continued support and assistance in addressing these issues.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com