Death Toll in Ethiopian Landslide Climbs to 257, Expected to Reach 500

• The UN reports that landslides in southern Ethiopia have killed 257 people, with the number potentially rising to 500 as rescuers continue to search for bodies and survivors in Kencho Shacha Gozdi.
• Over 15,000 people need evacuation due to further landslide risks, including 1,320 children under five and 5,293 pregnant women or new mothers; aid is arriving, including supplies from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society.
• Families like Solomon Tsoma’s have lost multiple members, and locals are digging through mud with bare hands and shovels; bodies are being recovered and prepared for burial amidst scenes of mourning.
• Ethiopia faces frequent climate-related disasters, with over 21 million people relying on humanitarian aid; similar deadly landslides and natural disasters have occurred in the past, highlighting the region's ongoing vulnerability.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-The United Nations reported on Thursday that the death toll from landslides in southern Ethiopia has increased to 257 and could potentially rise to 500. Rescuers are continuing their search for bodies and survivors in the remote region of Kencho Shacha Gozdi, where locals are digging through the mud using bare hands and shovels.

Solomon Tsoma shared his personal tragedy, revealing that 13 members of his family, including his uncle’s seven children and his brother’s infants, perished in the disaster. So far, they have recovered 12 bodies, but his sister’s body remains missing.

The UN's humanitarian agency, OCHA, confirmed the current toll and warned that more casualties are expected. They also reported that over 15,000 people need to be evacuated due to the ongoing risk of further landslides, including 1,320 children under five and 5,293 pregnant women or new mothers. Aid has started arriving in the affected area, with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society delivering supplies.

This landslide is the deadliest on record in Ethiopia, a nation frequently hit by climate-related disasters. Most victims were buried while attempting to assist after the initial landslide caused by heavy rains. Local resident Getachew Geza recounted how he lost his son when a massive mudslide overwhelmed them while they were helping others.

Scenes of mourning and desperation are prevalent, with bodies wrapped in shrouds and relatives conducting collective ceremonies. Injured survivors have been taken to local hospitals, and many people remain missing.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences, and UN agencies are providing critical supplies to those affected. The South Ethiopia regional government acknowledged that the landslide site was disaster-prone and that conservation efforts were underway at the time of the disaster.

Ethiopia, facing numerous natural disasters, has a significant portion of its population reliant on humanitarian aid. The region has experienced similar tragedies in the past, including a deadly landslide in May and seasonal rains causing widespread flooding and displacement. Historical incidents like the 2017 garbage dump collapse in Addis Ababa and mudslides in Uganda and Sierra Leone underscore the region's vulnerability to such disasters.