Ethiopia has officially declared a period of three days of mourning following devastating landslides in the southern part of the country that have claimed the lives of 80 individuals. The announcement was made by Tagesse Chafo, the Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, who confirmed that the mourning period will commence on Saturday.
Recovery Efforts Hampered by Persistent Rainfall
The tragic incident occurred in the Gamo Zone area, where heavy rains triggered landslides earlier this week. Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to recover bodies, with at least 80 fatalities confirmed so far. However, the ongoing search and recovery operations have faced significant challenges due to continued heavy rainfall in the region, which has slowed progress and complicated efforts.
Many Still Missing and Thousands Displaced
Officials have reported that many people remain unaccounted for since the landslides struck on Tuesday. In addition to the loss of life, the disaster has led to widespread displacement. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission revealed on Friday that approximately 3,461 people have been displaced as a result of the landslides, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
Hailemariam Tesfaye, the head of regional government communications, stated that search efforts for remaining victims have been intensified despite the adverse weather conditions. The government, through its Communication Service, has mobilized resources in coordination with regional authorities to provide aid and support to those affected.
Community and Government Response
In response to the disaster, the regional government has established a relief fund, which has seen donations pouring in from private citizens and business organizations. These contributions are aimed at providing essential relief items to the displaced and affected communities, offering some solace during this difficult time.
Broader Regional Impact of Heavy Rains
The landslides in Ethiopia are part of a larger pattern of severe weather affecting East Africa. In neighboring Kenya, flash floods over the weekend have resulted in 62 deaths, underscoring the widespread impact of the ongoing rainy season. Governments across the region have issued warnings, urging residents to exercise caution as more rainfall is anticipated.
According to the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, the March–April–May rainy season carries a 45% chance of above-average rainfall across most countries in the region. This includes Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Northern Somalia, and Djibouti, raising concerns about further potential disasters.
As Ethiopia mourns the loss of 80 lives, the focus remains on recovery and support for the displaced, with efforts ongoing to mitigate the effects of the heavy rains that continue to pose a threat to the region.
