Disaster Unveils Urgent Call for Action in Northern Ethiopia

Tragedy strikes as a landslide in northern Ethiopia claims ten lives, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath.

At a Glance

Ten people were killed in a landslide in northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region
The incident, reported by Amhara Media Corporation, is part of similar disasters linked to seasonal rains
Local officials recovered four bodies, while search efforts continue for the missing
Around 2,400 individuals have been displaced and housed in social institutions

Landslide Claims Lives in Northern Ethiopia

A deadly landslide struck the Telemet district in northern Ethiopia’s Amhara region, resulting in the deaths of ten people as confirmed by state media and local officials. The incident, triggered by heavy rainfall, highlights the urgent necessity for robust disaster preparedness and efficient response systems.

According to Tesfaye Workneh, the head of the government communication office for the district, the landslide occurred on Saturday. He confirmed, “10 people have died in the disaster,” with four bodies recovered so far. Rescue teams and locals continue to search for the remaining missing individuals. Eight people suffered serious injuries and are receiving medical treatment.

Dozens killed in Ethiopia landslides https://t.co/bsvAqGfKAB

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 23, 2024

Immediate Response and Ongoing Risks

Approximately 2,400 people displaced by the disaster are currently sheltered in local social institutions, the Amhara Media Corporation stated. This tragedy occurs amidst a series of similar landslides caused by seasonal rains plaguing the region. Photographs posted on AMC’s Facebook page depict residents carrying bodies from the mudslide using makeshift stretchers.

“Those who rushed for live-saving work have perished in the disaster including the locality’s administrator, teachers, health professionals and agricultural professionals,” EBC quoted Dagemawi as saying.

The seasonal rains, which began in July, show no sign of abating, with a recent United Nations report warning of increased risks of floods and landslides throughout Ethiopia. The report emphasized, “high risks of further flooding and landslides in most parts of the country.” This situation stresses the importance of implementing effective early warning systems and evacuation plans to protect the lives and properties of those residing in vulnerable areas.

Search & rescue efforts continue in southern Ethiopia, where 250+ people have been killed & 15,000+ affected by landslides due to heavy rains.

The UN is intensifying emergency operations to assist those in urgent need.

More from @UNOCHA: https://t.co/NS4r2uLRu0 pic.twitter.com/9WOQGppRfu

— United Nations (@UN) July 25, 2024

A Pattern of Tragedy

The landslide in Amhara is part of a troubling pattern observed across Ethiopia during this rainy season. Last month, another landslide in southern Ethiopia’s Kencho Shacha Gozdi region claimed 229 lives. The victims included teachers, healthcare workers, and local administrators who were aiding the initial survivors when they themselves were caught in subsequent slides.

“There are children who are hugging corpses, having lost their entire family, including mother, father, brother and sister, due to the accident,” reported a spokesperson from the affected area. This deeply saddening scenario calls for immediate and sustained attention from both local and international communities to provide necessary support.

2,400 people have been displaced by the recent landslide in #Ethiopia's #Amhara region, seeking refuge in local social institutions. https://t.co/hC3JDEYj2F

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 25, 2024

A Call for Preparedness and Support

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his profound sadness over the incident and mentioned that the Federal Disaster Prevention Task Force has been deployed to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts. “Our hearts and prayers are with the families [of the victims],” he stated, urging all responsible authorities to expedite the recovery process.

Recognizing the country’s high vulnerability to climate-related disasters such as floods and droughts, it is essential for Ethiopia to enhance its disaster management strategies. This entails not only improving immediate response capabilities but also investing in long-term infrastructure resilience to mitigate the impacts of such natural calamities.

The international community must remain committed to providing support. As the United Nations continues to assess and address the risks, active international cooperation can provide vital relief and resources, aiding Ethiopia in both immediate recovery and future preparedness.