Death toll from Ethiopia floods and landslides rises to more than 60

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Death toll from Ethiopia floods and landslides rises to more than 60

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A large group of people work together to clear or lift sections of a collapsed structure made of wooden poles and thatch. Many individuals stand on or around debris, while others congregate on a slope in the background. The scene takes place in a green space with tall trees, dense vegetation and plants surrounding the site. — Authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions [South Ethiopia Regional State Office Of The President]

At least 64 people have been killed in floods and landslides caused by heavy rains in southern Ethiopia’s Gamo area, local police inspector Abraham Buha said.

Earlier in the week, authorities estimated the death toll at more than 30. Dozens of people are still missing.

Authorities said most people died in mountainous regions, where saturated slopes gave way after days of intense rain. They urged people in vulnerable areas to take precautions.

Torrential rains have triggered widespread flooding across East Africa in recent days. Dozens of people have also died in neighboring Kenya. Forecasters say storms are becoming more intense in the region, in part because of climate change.

Before the revised death toll, the governor of Ethiopia’s southern regional state had offered condolences to the affected families.

“On behalf of myself and the regional government, I express my deep sadness over the loss of 30 lives due to landslides and flooding in the highlands of Gamo area caused by heavy rains,” Tilahun Kebede said in a statement on Facebook on Tuesday evening.

Officials said the disaster followed sustained rains in surrounding districts.

The town of Arba Minch and neighboring areas have been experiencing continuous downpours for two days, causing significant damage to homes, infrastructure and agricultural land.

Authorities warned that further flooding and landslides remained possible.

Mudslides blocked key roads and several bridges were flooded, prompting the public to remain vigilant. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation.

Over the past two decades, numerous studies have documented an increase in periods of extreme rain and prolonged periods of drought in East Africa.

Scientists have repeatedly pointed out that human-caused climate change is making severe weather events – such as intense, prolonged downpours – more frequent and more severe.

More than 229 people, including rescuers, were killed by a landslide in the neighboring Geze Gofa area in July 2024.

Additional reporting by Jean Otalor