Khaberni - A local official in Ethiopia announced today, Thursday, that at least 50 people have been killed and 125 others are missing, following devastating landslides that struck three provinces in the south of the country, after a week of heavy rain.
The landslides occurred in the Jamo Zone area, causing damage to the provinces of Gacho Baba, Kamba, and Bonki, according to Mesfin Manouk, the disaster response official in the Jamo region.
Manouk added that one person was pulled alive from under the mud during the rescue operation.
In a related note, Abibi Agena, head of communications in Gacho Baba Province, said that most of the deceased have been found buried in the mud.
The exact number of those affected has not yet been clarified.
Tilahun Kabebe, the head of the Southern Ethiopia Regional State, expressed sorrow over the disaster and urged residents to move to higher areas as the rainfall continues.
He added, "Considering that it is the rainy season and such disasters can occur again, I call on the communities living in the highlands and flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions."
It should be noted that mudslides and floods resulting from heavy rains are common in Ethiopia, especially during the rainy season.
In July 2024, a deadly mudslide resulted from heavy rains claimed the lives of 229 people in southern Ethiopia.
