Ethiopia Grapples with Tragic Landslide Aftermath as Rescue Efforts Intensify

On Wednesday, Ethiopian rescuers raced against the clock to locate survivors following catastrophic landslides in a remote area of southern Ethiopia, which left at least 229 individuals dead.

Humanitarian organizations sprang into action, eager to deliver vital emergency relief to the devastated community. Such a catastrophe marks one of the deadliest episodes in Ethiopia’s history, a nation frequently plagued by climate-induced calamities.

Local inhabitants have taken it upon themselves to sift through the extensive deposits of mud, using only shovels and their hands to unearth victims and potential survivors from Monday’s calamity in Kencho, a locality that remains difficult to reach, situated hundreds of kilometers from Addis Ababa, the capital.

As of Tuesday, the Gofa Zone Communications Affairs Department confirmed the tragic loss of 148 men and 81 women after the disaster wreaked havoc in this rugged and isolated region.

Firaol Bekele, the early warning director at the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), stated to AFP on Wednesday, “The search for survivors continues, bolstered by drones operated by specialists from the Information Network Security Administration (INSA).”

He added, “The government is prioritizing immediate needs, providing essentials like food, water, medical supplies, and shelter.”

Reports indicate that many victims were caught off guard, rushing to assist their neighbors impacted by an initial landslide triggered by torrential rains on Sunday.

According to the government-owned Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation, five fortunate individuals have already been rescued from the mud and are currently receiving care at local medical facilities.

The United Nations’ humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported that the challenging-to-reach area is home to over 14,000 people affected by this disaster, approximately 450 kilometers (270 miles) from Addis Ababa, which requires a grueling 10-hour drive to navigate.

Among those impacted are countless children and expectant mothers.

On X, OCHA shared, “An inter-agency team coordinated by OCHA reached the scene last night. Our partners are poised to deliver necessary supplies.”

According to a UN source who spoke with AFP, 125 individuals have been displaced, with an urgent call for evacuation of the 14,000 affected, including 5,000 pregnant or nursing women and 1,300 children, due to fears of additional landslides.

In Ethiopia, the second most populous nation in Africa, millions find themselves in need of humanitarian assistance, driven by ongoing conflicts and natural disasters like floods and droughts.

On Tuesday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed voiced his sorrow on X, stating, “I am profoundly saddened by this tragic loss.”

He continued, “In the wake of this disaster, the Federal Disaster Prevention Task Force has been dispatched to the area, working tirelessly to mitigate the disaster’s effects.”

World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who hails from Ethiopia, shared his condolences on X and noted that a WHO team would soon be mobilized to address urgent health requirements.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, chief of the African Union Commission, expressed his sympathy online, saying, “Our hearts and prayers are with the families of those affected.”

The U.S. embassy also conveyed its condolences through X, confirming that the government, via USAID, is coordinating with local humanitarian partners.

Türkiye Expresses Sympathy

On Tuesday, Türkiye offered its condolences to Ethiopia in response to the tragic landslide.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated its sorrow over the loss of life, saying, “We express our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the people of Ethiopia.”

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