A devastating landslide has struck northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people, according to state media reports. The disaster, which occurred in the North Gondar zone, is the latest in a series of natural calamities to hit the country in recent months.
A devastating landslide has claimed the lives of 10 people in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, as confirmed by local authorities. Tesfaye Workneh, a local administrator, informed the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC) on Saturday that four bodies had been recovered from the mud, with efforts underway to retrieve the remaining victims. The exact timing of the disaster is unclear, and authorities have not yet announced any ongoing search operations.
The tragedy has left eight others with serious injuries, currently being treated at nearby medical facilities. Approximately 2,400 residents have been displaced, seeking shelter in local social institutions. The scale of the disaster is significant, with widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
Social Media Response
AMC has shared images on their Facebook page showing residents carrying at least one body recovered from the mudslide, capturing the grim reality on the ground. The posts have drawn widespread attention and concern, as the nation grapples with the growing pattern of deadly landslides.
Increasing Frequency of Landslides
This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of landslides plaguing Ethiopia, primarily driven by heavy seasonal rains. A recent report from the United Nations, citing the Ethiopian Metrology Institute, has warned of the increased risk of flooding and landslides across much of the country. As climate change exacerbates these conditions, more areas in Ethiopia are becoming vulnerable to these natural disasters.
The Amhara landslide follows a series of similar tragedies:
- July 2024: A massive landslide in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi region claimed 229 lives and displaced thousands.
- One Week Later: Six people perished in a landslide in the Gishere district of the Sidama regional state.
- Earlier This Month: Eleven people lost their lives in a landslide in the Kawo Koisha district of the Wolaita administrative zone.
A Call for Action
These recurring disasters highlight the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies in Ethiopia, especially in areas prone to landslides during the rainy season. The Ethiopian government and international relief organizations have been stretched thin by the series of disasters, with resources already allocated to previous emergencies.
Despite ongoing relief efforts, challenges remain. Authorities are now facing the dual task of providing adequate support to those displaced by the landslide while preparing for potential future disasters. The immediate focus is on ensuring the safety of displaced residents and preventing further casualties.
As the region continues to endure the impact of these deadly landslides, the Ethiopian government is under increasing pressure to improve infrastructure, ensure better safety protocols, and implement effective early warning systems to mitigate the human toll of such disasters.
