Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian authorities have announced a tragic rise in the death toll from floods and landslides that have struck large areas of the country’s south. The confirmed death toll has now reached 80. Meanwhile, fears persist that the number will rise further. Many people remain missing under the rubble.
Solidarity with the families of the victims
Local media reported that the natural disaster displaced thousands of citizens who lost their homes and belongings. Search and rescue teams are racing against time to reach isolated areas.
In response to this devastating tragedy, the Ethiopian House of Representatives declared three days of national mourning, beginning Saturday. During this period, flags are being flown at half-staff across the country as a sign of solidarity with the victims’ families.
Rapid response teams
Internationally, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his condolences to the Ethiopian people. He emphasized that the organization has not stood idly by and has already deployed rapid response teams to the affected areas.
These teams aim to provide urgent support to local health authorities and prevent outbreaks of infectious diseases that often follow floods. They are also working to provide necessary medical supplies to the injured.
Ethiopia is facing increasing climate challenges that have led to recurring landslides in the mountainous regions of the south. This has placed immense pressure on emergency response plans and the already fragile infrastructure in those areas. In response, there are international calls to bolster humanitarian relief efforts for those affected.
