Ethiopia's Double Tragedy: Landslides Claim 229 Lives

The death toll from two devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen to 229, with more casualties expected. The landslides occurred in the Gofa zone, where rescue operations are ongoing. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and international organizations have expressed condolences and are actively aiding in the disaster relief efforts.

The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has surged to 229, with the possibility of increasing further as searches for survivors and casualties continue, according to a government official on Tuesday.

The first landslide struck the Gofa zone in Southern Ethiopia on Sunday night, followed by a second one on Monday morning that trapped rescue workers. 'I don't know when it will stop. We are still recovering bodies,' said Markos Melese, head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa Zone, during a phone interview with Reuters.

Footage released by local authorities showed people using shovels and bare hands to uncover bodies. 'The death toll surged after the people who came to rescue also got trapped,' noted Gofa district administrator Misikir Mitiku. 'It is a very sad incident.'

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed profound sorrow over the significant loss of life and said federal officials have been sent to mitigate the disaster's impact. 'We stand in strong solidarity with the people and Government of Ethiopia as rescue efforts continue to find the missing and assist the displaced,' African Union chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat commented on social media platform X. The head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, also conveyed his condolences and stated that a WHO team had been dispatched to address immediate health needs.