Landslides in southern Ethiopia have resulted in at least 102 confirmed deaths, with 125 individuals still unaccounted for following severe rain over the past week. The landslides affected several areas in the Gamo zone, specifically in the Gacho Baba, Kamba, and Bonke districts, as reported by Mesfin Manuqa, the head of emergency services in the region. The number of casualties could potentially rise, as rescue efforts continue to be hampered by the challenging ground conditions.

Rescue operations have had to be temporarily halted due to the ongoing risk of additional landslides, further complicating response efforts in the disaster-stricken areas. Many roads and bridges have been blocked, severely limiting accessibility for rescue teams attempting to reach those impacted. The situation has been exacerbated by delayed and insufficient humanitarian aid, putting the lives of victims at even greater risk. Most of the deceased have been found trapped in the debris, though there are reports of at least one person successfully rescued alive.

Ethiopia is prone to landslides and flooding during its rainy season, with historical events indicating a pattern of such disasters. A similar incident occurred two years ago, resulting in 229 fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies in the region. As the impact of climate change intensifies, the risk of severe weather events such as these may increase, necessitating a reevaluation of current infrastructure and support systems in vulnerable areas of Ethiopia.