Ethiopia is in mourning after a series of devastating landslides led to the deaths of at least 80 people in the southern Gamo Zone, triggered by intense rainfall in East Africa. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported that more than 3,400 individuals have been displaced as a result of this disaster. The government's official mourning period will begin Saturday, as communities come to terms with the loss and the ongoing search for the missing continues.

The heavy rains that caused the landslides are part of a larger pattern affecting the East African region, with neighboring Kenya also experiencing significant flooding, leading to at least 62 fatalities. This watery onslaught follows a prolonged rainy season that began in late February, impacting the livelihoods of communities across both countries and emphasizing the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

In light of these events, local authorities and humanitarian groups may need to increase support and resources for affected populations, tracking the growing displacement crisis and tackling ongoing risks associated with heavy rainfall. The series of landslides underscores the need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies within East Africa, an area that is no stranger to extreme weather events.