Addis Ababa: Ethiopia has declared three days of national mourning after devastating landslides in the southern part of the country killed at least 80 people and displaced thousands of residents.
The disaster struck several communities in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia after days of heavy rain triggered massive mudslides that buried homes, farmland and roads. Local officials said many people were trapped under thick layers of mud when the hillsides collapsed.
Rescue teams, volunteers and local residents have been searching through the debris since the disaster. However, continuous rain and difficult terrain have slowed down the rescue operations. Authorities fear the death toll could rise as more people remain missing.
Regional officials said the landslides affected several districts including Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke. Many victims were residents of small farming communities located in mountainous areas that are highly vulnerable to landslides during heavy rainfall.
The Ethiopian government announced three days of national mourning to honour those who lost their lives. Flags across the country are being flown at half mast while emergency teams continue rescue and recovery efforts.
Authorities said more than 3,000 people have been displaced by the disaster. Temporary shelters and relief assistance are being arranged for families who lost their homes.
Humanitarian agencies and government officials are working together to provide food, shelter and medical support to the affected communities. Meanwhile, weather officials have warned that continued rainfall in parts of East Africa could increase the risk of further landslides and flooding.
Local authorities have urged residents living in high risk areas to move to safer locations as rescue workers continue searching for survivors in the affected region.