A series of deadly landslides in northern Ethiopia has claimed the lives of 23 people and forced approximately 2,700 residents from their homes, regional authorities reported on Monday. The disaster comes amidst heavy rains that have triggered floods, landslides, and widespread destruction across various regions of the country.
The latest landslides struck in four districts of the North Gondar Zone in Amhara, according to the region’s disaster prevention office. While the exact dates of the incidents remain unclear, local media reported earlier this month that a landslide had resulted in the deaths of 10 people.
Ethiopia, a predominantly rural nation, is frequently impacted by climate-related disasters. In July, a devastating landslide occurred in Kencho Shacha Gozdi, a remote community in the southern part of the country. This incident marked the worst landslide disaster in the nation’s recorded history.
The United Nations humanitarian response agency, OCHA, initially estimated the death toll from the July landslide to be 256, but later revised the figure to 236. Just a week after this tragedy, another landslide claimed the lives of six people in the neighboring Sidama regional state.
In addition to the recent landslides, Ethiopia has also faced heavy rains and flooding in other parts of the country. The current “long” rainy season, which began in June, is expected to continue until September.