The Gofa Zone in southern Ethiopia was hit by a devastating landslide due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the burial of several individuals on Sunday night. Tragically, another landslide occurred on Monday, affecting those who were part of the rescue efforts.
The National Disaster Risk Management Commission of Ethiopia confirmed on Tuesday that the death toll had reached 229.
According to Dagmawi Ayele, an administrator in the Gofa Zone, rescue teams managed to recover 226 bodies, which were laid to rest following a funeral service. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 20 individuals.
This is heart wrenching. Tragedy is tragedy but this one a double triple tragedy. From what I heard, the first landslide killed only 3 or 4 people who were buried under dirt and rocks. Then every able man and woman came out to dig up bodies which numbered in their hundreds. That was when the 2nd massive landslide occurred burying hundreds. This is common story we here about deadly mudslides happening in other countries prone to such earth sudden movement.
Now my dear countrymen and women. This is when we should stand above the fray and stretch out our generous hands the survivors of the victims. Let’s donate the last red cent in our pocket to humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross and other similar reputable groups. Do not send your donations to those among who claim to have set up an account to help those devastated people. If you are contacted, you should ask for their history of audit by IRS. Otherwise don’t do it.