A catastrophic landslide in Ethiopia's southern Gofa Zone has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with rescue efforts continuing amidst challenging conditions. The disaster, which occurred in the mountainous Kencho Shacha Gozdi kebele of Geze Gofa district, has claimed at least 229 lives, according to the latest reports.
The incident unfolded in two stages: an initial landslide on Sunday, July 21, 2024, followed by a more severe one on Monday, when rescue efforts were already underway. The region's topography and recent heavy rainfall contributed to the disaster's severity, making it one of the worst natural calamities in the area's recent history.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with local residents using whatever tools are available—from shovels to their bare hands—in a desperate attempt to find survivors. The exact number of people buried under the debris remains unknown, adding urgency to the rescue efforts. Women and children have been among the victims of this natural disaster, with their cries and lamentations filling the air as they mourn their lost loved ones.
Rehabilitation efforts have begun in earnest. The Addis Ababa City Administration has sent over 45 million birr in financial and material humanitarian aid to the affected area. Mayor Adanech Abebe expressed deep condolences and assured the victims that the city administration and its people stand with them during this difficult time.
The Southern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Force has also responded swiftly, providing immediate food assistance to the affected communities. Major General Admasu Alemu, the Deputy Commander of Operations for the Southern Command, personally visited the affected kebele to deliver aid. The military has supplied 40 quintals of biscuits and 5 quintals of sugar as initial support. Additionally, an ambulance and a team of emergency medical professionals have been dispatched to the site to provide crucial medical assistance.
The government's response has been multifaceted. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has highlighted the region's vulnerability to heavy rains and flooding in recent months, indicating a broader environmental challenge. Local authorities have taken the precautionary measure of evacuating approximately 10,000 residents from the area to prevent further casualties.
The Gofa Zone, located about 320 kilometers southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa, is known for its hilly terrain. While landslides are not uncommon in the area, the scale of this disaster is unprecedented, according to the zone's communications office.
This event serves as a stark reminder of the increasing risks posed by climate change and the importance of sustainable land management practices in mountainous areas prone to landslides. As rescue efforts continue and rehabilitation measures are implemented, attention is beginning to turn towards long-term recovery strategies and the prevention of future tragedies. The disaster underscores the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Ethiopia's vulnerable regions, as well as the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather events.