The search for survivors continues in southern Ethiopia as the death toll from landslides rises to 229, with fears that more bodies could be found. Emergency teams are using drones to locate possible survivors in the remote mountainous area of the Gofa zone, where heavy rains triggered multiple landslides.
Paul Handley, head of the UN’s humanitarian office in Ethiopia, expressed concerns about the stability of the slope and called for the evacuation of 10,000 people in the area to prevent further tragedies. However, the difficult terrain and condition of the roads are hindering the efforts to bring in heavy earth-moving equipment.
The government has deployed a disaster response team to assist with search and recovery operations, while aid agencies are providing critical supplies to the affected area. At least 12 people have been rescued and are receiving treatment in hospital.
Markos Melese, head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa zone, described the devastation as “huge” and stated that the area is now uninhabitable. The search for survivors is ongoing, supported by drones, as the region continues to grapple with heavy rain and flooding.
Southern Ethiopia has been particularly hard hit by extreme weather in recent months, with landslides and floods causing significant loss of life. The need for assistance in the region is urgent, with Ocha estimating that $3 billion is required to help those affected by El Niño, drought, flooding, and conflict.
As the region braces for more extreme weather events, the focus remains on finding survivors and providing aid to those in need. The search and recovery efforts are ongoing, with the hope of preventing further loss of life in this disaster-stricken area.
