ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
The death toll from a landslide that hit southern Ethiopia's Gofa district on Monday has risen to over 200, a regional government official confirmed on Tuesday.
"As of now, the death toll is set at 229, comprising 148 men and 81 women. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing," Alemayehu Bawdi, Southern Regional State representative, said in a statement.
The death toll might soar further as the disaster site in a remote district is very difficult to access with machinery due to the steep landscape, according to authorities. The rescue efforts are proceeding with hand digging, says a district official requesting anonymity.
Another local official, Misikir Mitiku, told state-owned Fana Broadcasting Corporate that rescuers are also among the victims, with some going missing during search and rescue efforts.
Following the deadly landslide, Gofa Governor Dagmawi Ayele issued a statement emphasizing the need for the community to be better equipped to deal with such disasters in the future.
"The disaster struck just before noon local time, as people gathered to see the aftermath of the heavy rain late Sunday night, and the landslide buried the crowd under rubble," said an official from the Zonal Communications Directorate.
Rescuers, including a local official, teachers, and police officers, were among the dead, he added, noting that search and rescue efforts are ongoing and that the full impact of the landslide has yet to be fully assessed.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the families of the community members who tragically lost their lives in devastating landslides following heavy rains in southern Ethiopia's Gofa district," African Union President Moussa Faki Mahamat said on X, expressing solidarity with the people and government of Ethiopia.
Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh also expressed his deep sadness over the devastating landslide.
"Our heartfelt condolences and sympathies go out during this difficult time. We extend our support and stand ready to assist in any way possible," he said.
Landslides in southern Ethiopia are recurrent during the rainy season, which runs from June to August.