Mudslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall are common in Ethiopia, especially during the rainy season.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — At least 50 people have died and 125 others are missing after landslides hit three districts in southern Ethiopia following a week of heavy rains, a local official said Thursday.
The landslides occurred in Gaço Baba district, Kamba district and Bonke district, according to Gamo Zone disaster response director Mesfin Manuqa.
Manuqa said that one person was pulled alive from the mud during the rescue operation.
Gacho Baba District Communications Chief Abebe Agena said most of those who died were found buried in the mud. It is not yet clear how many families have been affected.
Tilahun Kebede, president of Southern Ethiopia Regional State, expressed his grief over the disaster and urged residents to move to higher ground as the rains continue.
“Given that it is the rainy season and these kinds of disasters can happen again, I call on communities living in highlands and flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions,” he said.
Mudslides and floods caused by heavy rainfall are common in Ethiopia, especially during the rainy season.
In July 2024, a deadly landslides caused by heavy rain killed 229 people in southern Ethiopia.
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