Mar 12, 2026, 3:06 p.mMar 12, 2026, 3:06 p.m
According to authorities, at least 64 people have died in landslides in southern Ethiopia. The actual number of victims could be significantly higher, as around 125 people are still missing.
At least 64 people died in landslides in Ethiopia.Image: keystone
Heavy rains in the region triggered massive landslides. Due to the risk of further mudslides, the rescue operation had to be temporarily interrupted. Landslides had also blocked roads and bridges to the scene of the accident and made them inaccessible.
Landslides are a regular phenomenon in this hilly part of Ethiopia. In 2024, landslides killed hundreds of people, destroyed key infrastructure including farmland, and displaced thousands. The situation was aggravated by delayed and inadequate humanitarian assistance, endangering the lives of victims. At the same time, dilapidated infrastructure and waterlogged soils have increased the southern state of Ethiopia’s vulnerability to landslides and other natural disasters. (dab/sda/dpa)