In a tragic series of events, heavy rains have triggered devastating mudslides in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia, resulting in at least 157 fatalities. The disaster, which began on July 21, 2024, has left the community in mourning and rescue operations ongoing.
The initial mudslide occurred on July 21, 2024, in the Geze Gofa Woreda area of Gofa Zone due to heavy rainfall. As emergency services and local residents conducted search and rescue operations, a second mudslide struck on July 22, 2024, burying many of the rescuers. By July 23, 2024, the death toll had risen dramatically from 55 to 157 as search efforts continued.
The victims include young children and pregnant women. Many of those who perished were attempting to rescue survivors from the initial mudslide when they were caught in the subsequent slide. Local officials have reported that at least five people have been pulled alive from the mud, but many remain unaccounted for.
The emotional toll on the survivors is immense. Reports indicate children clinging to the bodies of their deceased family members, having lost their entire families in the disaster. The search for the missing continues, with local authorities and residents working tirelessly despite the challenging conditions.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, with local residents and emergency services digging through the mud, often with their bare hands, due to the lack of adequate emergency response infrastructure. At least ten individuals have been taken to local medical facilities for treatment. Further scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast for the region, which could trigger additional landslides and hamper ongoing rescue operations. Authorities are also concerned about potential flooding in low-lying areas and disruptions to local infrastructure, including electricity and telecommunications services.
Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator, confirmed the rising death toll and highlighted the emotional devastation among the survivors. Kassahun Abayneh, head of the Gofa Zone communications office, provided updates on the fatalities and ongoing search efforts. Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone, emphasized the continued search for the missing and the dire conditions faced by the community.
The mudslides in Kencho Shacha Gozdi have resulted in a significant loss of life and have left the community grappling with the aftermath. With rescue operations still underway and the potential for further landslides, the situation remains precarious. The resilience and solidarity of the local community, however, offer a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.
