TRAGIC LANDSLIDE IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA CLAIMS 146 LIVES

Tue 23 July 2024:

The death toll from a landslide in southern Ethiopia’s Gofa district has risen to 146, confirmed a local government official on Tuesday.

A statement released this morning indicated that the number of casualties might increase as search and rescue efforts continue.

The death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen sharply to 157 and the number could increase further. A landslide buried people in Gofa zone, and then a second one engulfed those who had gathered to help https://t.co/yZ7wThqoNd pic.twitter.com/gewrpqdFuj

— Reuters (@Reuters) July 23, 2024

The disaster, which occurred in the remote district, claimed the lives of many, including women and children.

According to state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporate, the landslide struck just before noon local time.

“Ninety-six men and fifty women, including children, were lost due to the mishap,” stated Habtamu Fetena, the Zonal government representative and disaster committee lead.

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Local official Misikir Mitiku reported to Fana that rescuers are also among the victims, with some going missing during the search and rescue operations.

In response to the deadly landslide, Gofa Governor Dagmawi Ayele stressed the importance of community preparedness for future disasters.

“The community from now on should be equipped and be ready to guard itself from such disasters, as the area is the most vulnerable,” Ayele said.

He also noted that search and rescue efforts are ongoing and that the full impact of the landslide is yet to be fully assessed.

Landslides in southern Ethiopia are common during the rainy season, which runs from June to August, adding to the unpredictability and danger of such events.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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