Rising Death Toll from Dual Landslides in Southern Ethiopia

The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has sharply risen to 157 and may continue to climb. Initially, first responders in the Gofa zone were also trapped by a second landslide while rescuing buried individuals. Search and recovery operations are ongoing, facing significant challenges.

The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen sharply to 157 and could increase further, according to a government official on Tuesday.

The initial landslide buried residents of the Gofa zone in the Southern Ethiopia regional state. A second landslide then engulfed others who had gathered to help on Monday morning. "Searching is still ongoing, and there are bodies yet to be recovered. The area is very challenging," said Markos Melese, head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa Zone, in a phone interview with Reuters.

"We have so far recovered 157 bodies from two villages. We believe the number will increase." As of Monday, officials reported at least 50 deaths, including children and police officers.

Local administration footage showed people digging up bodies with shovels and bare hands. "The death toll surged after rescuers also got trapped," said Gofa district administrator Misikir Mitiku. "It is a very sad incident."