Ethiopia: Floods & Landslides

After a week of dangerous heavy rain, landslides hit the Gamo Zone districts of Gacho Baba, Kamba, and Bonka. The landslides killed more than 50 people and left more than 250 people missing. These landslides happened in March, and people are still recovering their families, homes, and surrounding areas. 

One person was found stuck in the mud and had to be pulled out during a rescue mission. According to Mesfin Manuqa, there isn’t an exact number for the number of people dead, but many were found submerged in mud and didn’t make it. Tilahun Kebede, president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, said how unhappy he was about this situation. “On behalf of myself and the regional government, I express my deep sorrow over the loss of 30 lives due to landslides and floods in the highlands of Gamo Zone caused by heavy rains,” and told residents to move to higher ground as the rain continues.

“Given that it is the rainy season and these types of disasters could happen again, I am calling on communities living in the highlands and flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions,” said Zone as he urged the people in the area. 

In Ethiopia, persistent rain and landslides are not uncommon, and in 2024, there was a mudslide that was so deadly it killed almost 230 people because of the heavy rain that caused it. Even rescuers have died during this mission, going out unsafely and risking their lives to save others. Emergency teams have been monitoring the areas that have been affected by the slides. 

Another thing that is receiving damage is bridges and roads, which makes it extra hard for people to get around and access certain areas. People have even died in the neighboring area of Kenya, caused by downpours there, too. The rain has been nonstop for two days in surrounding towns, which has an impact on a lot of homes and farmland as well. Authorities have warned people that further floods and even more mudslides are possible, and to be careful. Many people have been displaced from their homes, and an estimate of 11,000 was said. This means 11,000 people are away from their homes and don’t know what to do or where to go. The death toll has risen rapidly, and just a few weeks ago, it was 70, and now it’s 200.