Fourteen people were killed and five others wounded in a landslide triggered by heavy downpour in northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region, local authorities have confirmed.
The landslide occurred in the North Shewa Zone of Amhara, burying worshippers gathered at a monastery. Seven others sustained serious or minor injuries, the North Shewa Zone Communication Office said in a statement issued late Monday.
The landslide occurred in Sela Dingay, about 200 kilometres northeast of the capital, Addis Ababa.
Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu, the diocesan head, said the landslide happened early on Monday “after very heavy overnight rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder”.
The mudslide carrying rocks swept down a hillside and buried part of the Tsadkane Mariam Orthodox monastery.
The incident occurred during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which began in June and is expected to continue until late September.
Extreme weather events, including floods and landslides, have become increasingly frequent in Ethiopia, particularly during the country’s rainy season.
Authorities have recently urged the public to take necessary precautions against potential flood and landslide risks, especially in areas vulnerable to such disasters.
The Horn of Africa nation, home to around 130 million people, is experiencing heavy rainfall during the longer of its rainy seasons, which runs from June to September.
MG/as/APA