East African nation hit by deadly landslides (VIDEO)

At least 229 people have died following heavy rainfall in southern Ethiopia

At least 229 people have died following two landslides in Gofa, southern Ethiopia on Sunday.

The communication department in Gofa has confirmed that 148 men and 81 women, including teachers, health and agricultural experts, lost their lives.

Late on Tuesday, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he was “deeply saddened by this terrible loss,” adding that the Federal Disaster Prevention Task Force had been deployed to the area and “is working to reduce the impact of the disaster.” 

Habtamu Fetena, head of the zonal emergency response committee, noted that the number of fatalities may rise and that rescue efforts have intensified.

“We stand in strong solidarity with the people and Government of Ethiopia as rescue efforts continue to find the missing and assist the displaced,” African Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat posted on X (formerly Twitter).

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Footage shared by the local administration showed people using shovels and their bare hands to dig for bodies.

Earlier this month, the government issued a warning about the risk of flooding and related disasters during the current rain season. The southern Ethiopia region, along with other areas and the capital Addis Ababa, were identified as areas likely to experience severe flooding.

Southern Ethiopia has a tragic history of devastating landslides that have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. 

At least 43 people died due to floods and landslides in Ethiopia last year, according to a report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) released in November.

In May 2018, twin landslides struck within hours of each other in the West Arsi, Sidama, and Gamo Gofa zones, killing 45 people and displacing dozens more.