At least 157 people have lost their lives following two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia. The government issued a warning on Tuesday, indicating that the number of casualties may increase as search and rescue operations continue.
The first landslide, triggered by intense rainfall in the Gofa Zone, occurred on Monday. Shortly after, a second landslide struck the area where rescuers had gathered to assist those affected by the initial disaster. This tragic sequence of events led to a dramatic rise in the death toll, which increased from 55 on Monday to 157 by Tuesday, according to Kassahun Abayneh, head of the Gofa Zone communications office.
Abayneh noted that the search for victims is ongoing, and it is likely that more bodies remain buried. District administrator Misikir Mitiku reported that the landslides initially buried three families. The situation worsened as additional rescuers became trapped by the second landslide.
Despite the grave situation, images from the scene depict people digging through the red earth with their bare hands, either in an attempt to rescue survivors or recover bodies. So far, at least five individuals have been rescued alive from the debris.
The tragedy has unfolded amid a contrasting situation in other parts of Ethiopia, where severe drought conditions are prevalent. The dual crises of landslides and drought highlight the country's ongoing struggles with extreme weather events.
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