Africa-Press. The number of victims from landslides and floods in the Gamo region in southern Ethiopia has risen to at least 64 people, while more than 128 remain missing, according to police in Ethiopia’s Southern Region. A local official said most of the victims were found buried under mud, while the total number of affected families is still unclear.
Mesfin Manogga, the region’s disaster response director, said rescue teams managed to pull one person alive from the debris. Regional president Tilahun Kebede expressed sorrow over the incident and urged residents to move to higher ground as the rains continue.
“The rainy season may bring similar disasters, so I urge communities in highland and flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions,” Kebede said.
A regional disaster context
Heavy rains have recently hit large parts of East Africa, causing devastating floods. In neighboring Kenya, dozens of people died when flash floods swept through the capital Nairobi and other areas.
Landslides and floods are recurring phenomena in Ethiopia during the rainy season. In July 2024, a landslide in the south of the country killed more than 250 people.
Scientific studies indicate that East Africa has experienced increasing periods of drought and severe flooding over the past two decades. Experts attribute this trend to human-driven climate change, which increases the likelihood of heavy rainfall.
