Ethiopian Parliament declared national mourning on Friday after over 80 individuals lost their lives due to severe rains that caused landslides and flooding in the Gamoregion of southern Ethiopia. The inclement weather has resulted in ongoing rescue operations, with authorities cautioning that the death toll may rise significantly, potentially exceeding 100. The period of national mourning is set to last for three days.

Climate change has exacerbated weather patterns in Ethiopia, leading to increasingly violent storms. The recent events closely resemble those from the summer of 2024, when heavy rains during the rainy season triggered massive landslides in southern Ethiopia, resulting in the deaths of at least 257 people. This pattern indicates a troubling trend that highlights the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events.

The Ethiopian government's response, along with international aid, will be crucial in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and mitigating the impact of future disasters. As Ethiopia grapples with the effects of climate change, the necessity for sustainable environmental policies and disaster preparedness becomes more urgent, prompting calls for global support and cooperation in tackling climate issues.