The death toll from landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in southern Ethiopia has risen to 70, with more than 60 others still missing, according to local authorities on Friday.
In a social media update on Friday, the Gamo Zone Government Communication Affairs Department confirmed that the bodies of 70 victims have been recovered so far.
Local officials indicated that the death toll could exceed 100, as search efforts are ongoing to uncover at least 60 additional individuals listed as missing in the devastating landslide in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State, where heavy rains led to flooding in several areas.
The accident occurred last Tuesday in three districts of the zone about three days ago. It occurred after the areas received heavy rainfall for three days. The heaviest rain was on Wednesday, according to local authorities. It was not a rainy season for the area or even in any part of Ethiopia.
It occurred after midnight – at a time when family members are home sleeping.
A search operation for those missing is still underway. It is said to be complicated due to the topography of the location.
Hailemariam Tesfaye, head of the region’s government communication service, said 3,480 residents are displaced from affected localities of the zone.
The most severe landslide occurred in Gacho Baba district where 59 bodies were recovered and at least 50 others missing.
Police said the total number of missing people from the accident is 128.
MG/as/APA