The death toll from three successive landslide incidents in southern Ethiopia has surged to 257, with the number of confirmed fatalities increasing by 100 in just one day, according to local authorities.
The devastating landslides, which occurred on July 21st and 22nd following heavy rains, have left thousands displaced and in dire need of assistance. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that more than 15,000 people require evacuation, including at least 1,320 children under the age of five and 5,293 pregnant and breastfeeding women.
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society has responded to the crisis by deploying four trucks of life-saving supplies to the affected area, while the Regional Health Bureau has dispatched two cars and medical supplies to the scene. Agencies are also allocating financial and in-kind resources to support the emergency response efforts.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains critical, with OCHA warning that the death toll could rise to up to 500 people. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the support of the Ethiopian Red Cross Society.
The government is finalizing an evacuation plan to ensure the safe relocation of those affected by the disaster. However, concerns remain about the availability of resources and infrastructure to support the scale of the response required.
The landslides have caused widespread destruction and displacement in the region, leaving many without access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. The international community is urged to provide support to aid efforts in the region as the crisis continues to unfold.
As the situation evolves, it is clear that a concerted effort will be needed to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by this disaster. The international community must come together to provide support and resources to ensure that those affected receive the help they so desperately need.
