The Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC) has initiated emergency measures to assist those injured and displaced following a devastating landslide in the Gofa Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State.
The landslide, which occurred on Monday at 10:00 AM in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi area, claimed the lives of 229 people, according to local officials. Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam informed state media that over 400 individuals have been displaced from their homes and are being provided with basic supplies. Teams of experts have been deployed to assess the situation and implement preventive measures.
In his press statement, Commissioner Shiferaw confirmed that the deceased include teachers, medical professionals, and agricultural experts. The local officials had earlier reported a death toll of 229, comprising 148 males and 81 females, with concerns that the number could rise.
Commissioner Shiferaw explained, "Heavy rainfall triggered the initial landslide, and a subsequent landslide during rescue operations resulted in additional casualties. Officials have not yet provided an update on the number of injured or those rescued since the initial report."
To support ongoing operations in the most affected regions, the Federal Disaster Prevention Task Force has been deployed. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed profound sadness over the tragedy in a social media post late on Tuesday, stating that the Task Force is working to mitigate the disaster’s impact.
Additionally, online fundraising campaigns have been launched on social media to aid the landslide victims.