Terrifying Landslides Hit Ethiopia

Devastating landslides in northern Ethiopia have reportedly claimed a number of lives and displaced thousands, highlighting the nation’s ongoing struggle with natural disasters.

At a Glance

Landslides have reportedly hit Northern Ethiopia, taking lives.
Heavy rainfall triggered the disasters..
Thousands of people have reportedly been displaced.
The incidents are part of a series of landslides affecting Ethiopia this year.
Urgent humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts are underway.

Deadly Landslides Strike Northern Ethiopia

In a tragic turn of events, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have claimed a number of people’s lives in Ethiopia. News outlets initially reported on Saturday, August 24, that 10 people had been killed in a landslide in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. As of the following day, four bodies had been recovered.

On Monday, August 26, other outlets reported that a landslide killed 23 people and injured eight. However, this appeared to be a separate incident to the landslide that cost 10 lives over the weekend.

The impact extends beyond human casualties. Reports indicated that 35 heads of cattle perished in the first incident, and crops covering 30 hectares of land were damaged. The second landslide is reported to have cost 1,775 of crops. This loss of livestock and agricultural produce adds to the economic burden faced by the affected community, further complicating recovery efforts.

Ten people have been killed in a landslide in northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region, according to state media, in the latest natural disaster to strike the country. https://t.co/Vq3A6zm9Yb

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 25, 2024

Widespread Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

The scale of displacement caused by the landslides is staggering. According to reports, 2,400 people were forced to flee their homes as a result of the first landslide. The second displayed around 2,700 people, according to the Fana Broadcasting Corporation. These displaced individuals have been seeking shelter in local social institutions, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

A Pattern of Devastating Landslides

This recent tragedy is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of landslides that have plagued Ethiopia throughout the year. In July, a catastrophic landslide in the southern region of Gamo Gofa claimed 257 lives, while earlier this month, another incident in the Wolayita zone resulted in 13 fatalities. These recurring disasters underscore the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies across the nation.

Ethiopia is currently in the midst of its rainy season, which typically lasts from July to mid-September. This period of increased precipitation heightens the risk of landslides and flooding, particularly in vulnerable areas. A recent United Nations report has warned of high risks of further flooding and landslides in most parts of the country, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness among local communities and authorities.

The recurring nature of these disasters serves as a stark reminder of the importance of investing in early warning systems, improved land management practices, and community-based disaster preparedness programs.

As search and rescue operations continue, our thoughts are with the affected families and communities. This tragedy underscores the unpredictable power of nature and the importance of collective action in the face of adversity.