Ethiopia’s government declared three days of national mourning on Tuesday after landslides in the Gamo Zone of the country’s south killed at least 80 people. Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives Tagesse Chafo said the mourning period would begin on Saturday, emphasizing the nation’s collective sorrow.
Rescue teams have recovered at least 80 bodies, while dozens of residents remain missing. Regional government communications head Hailemariam Tesfaye said the search for remaining victims has been intensified despite continuing heavy rain that is hampering efforts. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission reported that 3,461 people were displaced by the slides.
The government’s communication service announced that resources are being mobilized in coordination with regional authorities, and a fund has been set up to provide relief items to those affected. Private citizens and businesses have already begun donating to the fund.
The landslides were triggered by the same heavy rains that have pounded East Africa this season. In neighboring Kenya, flash floods have claimed 62 lives. Meteorologists warned that the region’s March–April–May rainy season has a 45% chance of above‑average rainfall, raising concerns that more heavy‑rain events are likely.
Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution as the rainy season continues, emphasizing that preparedness and timely response are essential to mitigate further loss of life and suffering.