A natural disaster on Monday morning killed 229 residents in a remote village in southern Ethiopia. More than 200 people lost their lives while attempting to save others in the deadliest landslide.
Torrential rain triggered devastating landslides, resulting in a massive natural disaster. The first landslide affected only 5-6 people at the site. Residents rushed to rescue the victims, but tragically, a second landslide struck, engulfing almost everyone involved in the rescue effort.
So far, rescue operations have recovered the bodies of 148 men and 81 women from the mud, bringing the total death toll to 229. Miraculously, ten people have been saved. Officials warn that the number of fatalities may rise as efforts continue.
The incident occurred in a remote mountainous area of the Gofa zone after heavy rains. The natural disaster escalated when more than 200 people were buried in the mud from the second landslide.
The deadliest landslide occurred when locals searched for their loved ones stuck in the mud from the first landslide. The second landslide struck on Monday morning, claiming the lives of teachers, police officers, and residents.
While speaking with BBC, the chief administrator of the Gofa zone, Dogmawi Ayele, said that the rescue operations are still ongoing. “We are still digging,” he said.
Markos Melese, the Gofa disaster management head, confirmed that 229 bodies have so far been recovered.
Gofa is part of the state known as Southern Ethiopia, located around 320 km (199 miles) southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa.
What is a Landslide?
A landslide is the movement of rock or debris down a slope due to gravity. Landslides do not consider a natural disaster until the damage is on a big scale.
How Do Landslides Form?
Landslides occur due to changes in the stability of a slope from a stable to an unstable condition. Factors contributing to landslides include:
- Heavy Rainfall: Water saturation increases the weight of the slope material and reduces friction, making it more prone to sliding.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity can shake the ground, causing the slope materials to lose cohesion and slide.
- Volcanic Eruptions: The sudden movement of magma can displace large amounts of earth and rock.
- Human Activities: Deforestation, mining, and construction can destabilize slopes by removing vegetation.
The rainy season is currently on peak, so please stay away from the places a landslide can form.
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