Ethiopia Landslides Claim Dozens of Lives Amidst Heavy Rainfall
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – At least 64 people have been confirmed dead following devastating landslides and floods in southern Ethiopia, with dozens more reported missing, authorities said Thursday. The disaster, triggered by a week of intense rainfall, has impacted three districts, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting urgent rescue efforts.
Initial reports from an official indicated at least 50 fatalities and 125 missing individuals. However, updated figures released by Al Jazeera now place the death toll at 64, with the number of missing remaining significant.
Mudslides and floods are a recurring threat in Ethiopia, particularly during the rainy season. In July 2024, a similar deadly mudslide caused widespread damage and loss of life. The current situation underscores the country’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness.
Rescue teams are facing challenging conditions as they work to locate survivors and provide assistance to affected communities. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early indications suggest significant infrastructure damage and displacement of residents.
The Ethiopian government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement regarding relief efforts, but the disaster is expected to draw international attention and potentially trigger calls for humanitarian aid.
This event highlights the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable regions, with increasingly frequent and severe weather events posing a significant threat to lives and livelihoods.
