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HANDOUT - Mudslides in a remote part of Ethiopia have killed scores of people, according to local authorities. Photo: Uncredited/Gofa Zone Government Communication Affairs Department/AP - ATTENTION: For editorial use only in connection with reporting on the landslide and only with full attribution to the above credit
Keystone
The number of people who have died in several landslides in southwestern Ethiopia has risen to at least 229, according to government figures. However, it is still unclear how many more people are buried under the masses of earth and mud.
Volunteers and rescue workers are hoping for survivors, but have mainly recovered dead bodies since the first landslide on Sunday. In addition, helpers were also buried in a second landslide on Monday.
With the start of the rainy season in July, the likelihood of landslides increases in the hilly region. The consequences of climate change are also affecting the country in the Horn of Africa - recently, rainfall has been heavier than usual due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
In addition, there is a risk of erosion in many regions due to deforestation and without the roots of trees, the soil cannot be held together. Heavy rainfall also made rescue work more difficult.
24.07.2024, 13:25
