According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the number of people killed in the series of landslides in the Gofa zone of southern Ethiopia may reach up to 500.
Based on information received from local authorities, OCHA has indicated that the death toll from the disaster could rise to 500.
As of Sunday, July 21, and Monday, July 22, 2024, the search for missing persons buried in the landslide that occurred in Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele, Gofa Zone, Geze Gofa District, southern Ethiopia, is continuing for the fourth day.
According to BBC correspondents on the scene, rescue efforts are ongoing despite the rain falling in the area.
OCHA reports that 257 people have been confirmed dead, and local administrators are concerned that the death toll could reach 500.
In addition to the 257 confirmed fatalities, 12 people were injured and taken to Saula Hospital for treatment.
At least 125 people who were living in the affected area are currently sheltering with the local community due to the destruction of their homes.
Reports indicate that individuals and various organizations are collecting and sending aid to support those affected.
According to a BBC reporter, local authorities are coordinating with residents to conduct a search using manual digging tools, as it is challenging to bring mechanical equipment to the site due to the muddy conditions.
The OCHA report noted that the Ethiopian Red Cross Society is assisting in the rescue operations.
The UN agency mentioned that more than 15,000 local residents are at risk due to the landslide and that they should be relocated immediately because of the high risk of additional landslides in the area.
Among the vulnerable residents are at least 1,320 children under the age of five and 5,293 pregnant and lactating mothers.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has indicated that the federal government, in cooperation with regional and zonal authorities, is completing activities to enable the evacuation of people considered to be at risk of further danger.
