Addis Ababa: The death toll from devastating landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen to 125 as rescue teams continue searching through mud and debris for victims, regional officials said on Monday.
The disaster struck communities in the Gamo zone after several days of heavy rain triggered large landslides that buried homes and farmland. Authorities said the hardest hit areas include districts such as Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke, where steep terrain and saturated soil caused hillsides to collapse.
Local officials said many people were trapped when the ground suddenly gave way during the night. Villagers and rescue workers have been digging through thick mud in an effort to find survivors, but the difficult conditions have slowed the search.
Earlier reports had confirmed more than 100 deaths, but the number increased as more bodies were recovered from the debris. Authorities also said that several people had been reported missing and there are fears that the toll could rise further as search efforts continue.
Thousands of residents have been affected by the disaster, with many homes destroyed or damaged. Some families have been forced to leave their villages and move to safer areas as the land remains unstable after continuous rainfall.
Emergency teams have been deployed to the region and relief supplies are being sent to support the affected communities. Officials have urged residents living in landslide prone areas to move to safer ground while the rainy conditions continue.
Heavy rainfall is common during the seasonal rains in parts of East Africa, but experts say intense weather has increased the risk of landslides in mountainous areas. Southern Ethiopia has experienced similar disasters in recent years, highlighting the vulnerability of communities living on unstable slopes.
Rescue operations are continuing as authorities work with local volunteers to search for survivors and assist families affected by the tragedy.