The death toll from recent landslides and flooding in the Gamo region of southern Ethiopia has increased to a minimum of 64 people, while more than 128 others are reported missing. Local police have noted that many of the deceased were found buried under mud, and the total number of affected households has not yet been determined. Rescue teams have successfully retrieved at least one survivor from the debris, indicating the challenging conditions that rescuers are facing in the aftermath of the disaster.

In light of the ongoing heavy rainfall, the region's president, Tilahun Kebede, expressed his sorrow over the incident and urged residents to relocate to higher ground as a precaution against further disasters. He highlighted the potential for similar calamities during the rainy season, encouraging communities in flood-prone areas to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves. This call to action reflects the heightened awareness of the dangers that accompany Ethiopia's rainy season, which often brings about devastating landslides and flooding.

The disaster has not only impacted Ethiopia but also has regional implications, as parts of East Africa have experienced heavy rainfall leading to destructive floods. In neighboring Kenya, several fatalities have been reported as flooding struck the capital, Nairobi, and other regions. This ongoing crisis underscores the vulnerability of East African countries to extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, and highlights the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the face of increasing environmental challenges.