Over 200 people have died as a result of the landslide that struck the Gofa district in southern Ethiopia on Monday, a regional government official announced on Tuesday.
“As of right now, 229 people have died—148 males and 81 women. The Southern Regional State representative, Alemayehu Bawdi, stated in a statement that “search and rescue efforts are ongoing.”
Authorities warn that the death toll could rise further because the accident site is in a rural location and is extremely difficult to access with machinery because of the rugged environment. According to a district official who asked to remain anonymous, hand digging is still being used in the rescue operations.
State-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporate was informed by another local official, Misikir Mitiku, that rescuers are also victims, with several going missing in the course of search and rescue operations.
Gofa Governor Dagmawi Ayele stressed in a statement that the community needs to be better prepared to handle similar calamities in the future, following the devastating landslide.
According to a Zonal Communications Directorate official, “the disaster struck just before noon local time, as people gathered to see the aftermath of the heavy rain late Sunday night, and the landslide buried the crowd under rubble.”
He said that among the dead were rescuers, including a local official, teachers, and police officers. He also mentioned that search and rescue operations are still ongoing and that the full extent of the landslide’s impact has not yet been determined.
African Union President Moussa Faki Mahamat said on X, “Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the community members who tragically lost their lives in devastating landslides following heavy rains in southern Ethiopia’s Gofa district,” expressing support for the Ethiopian people and government.
The president of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, also expressed his deep sadness over the fatal avalanche.
“We send our deepest sympathy and condolences during this trying time. We offer our backing and are prepared to help in every manner we can,” he declared.
In southern Ethiopia, during the rainy season, which lasts from June to August, landslides occur often.