- The first landslide, triggered by heavy rains on Sunday night, July 21, claimed several lives. This triggered rescue efforts on Monday morning when a second landslide struck, killing many of the rescuers, including women, children, and local police officers.
“There was a heavy rain yesterday night and some people died from a landslide,” said Kassahun Abayneh, the government spokesperson for Gofa district in the South Ethiopia regional state.
The situation worsened on Monday morning when locals, including police officers, gathered at the site to rescue those affected by the first landslide.
At around 10:00 local time (07:00 UTC), a second landslide struck, killing many of the gathered rescuers and further devastating the area.
Local chief Dagmawi Zerihun said more than 55 bodies were found, adding that the death toll could increase as search and rescue efforts continue.
Meskir Mitku, the district general administrator of Gofa district, reported that among the dead were women, children, and local police officers.
Ethiopia is currently experiencing its rainy season, which began in July and is anticipated to continue until mid-September.
Reference: https://watchers.news
