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Deadly Landslides in Ethiopia: Pastoral Coordinator Says Soddo Vicariate “deeply saddened” as Death Toll Rises

By Jude Atemanke

Soddo, 24 July, 2024 / 11:05 pm (ACI Africa).

The Pastoral Coordinator of Soddo Vicariate has said that the Ethiopian Catholic Episcopal See has been greatly saddened by the reported death of at least 257 people as a result of two landslides in the Southern part of the Horn of Africa nation following heavy rains.

The heavy rains resulted in landslides in the Gofa zone on July 21 evening and July 22 morning, the death toll rising from 229 by July 24 to 257 by July 25 late morning, the latter report by Reuters about the area covered by Soddo Vicariate indicating that the number could sharply rise to 500.

A BBC July 23 report indicates that a second landslide engulfed more people, who had gathered to help victims on July 22.

“We are deeply saddened by the death and injuries following the landslide disaster in the Gofa zone,” Fr. Yohannes Gugala says in a Wednesday, July 24 message shared with ACI Africa.

Fr. Gugala adds, “We pray to the almighty God to comfort the local community, especially all those who have been affected by this natural disaster.”

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“We pray that our God may grant eternal rest to the dead. May the creator see that this suffering is enough for us and send us peace,” he further implores.

In a Thursday, July 25 interview with ACI Africa, the Pastoral Coordinator said more than 50,000 people have been affected by the disaster including displaced persons, those injured, and individuals who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

“The situation is escalating rapidly, with 28 neighbourhoods identified as being at risk. These areas are experiencing the most severe effects, including significant damage to infrastructure and homes,” Fr. Gugala said.

Continued rainfall, the Ethiopian Catholic Priest said, “is a major concern, as it increases the likelihood of additional landslides.”

“This ongoing threat necessitates further evacuations and poses a significant challenge to emergency response efforts. The weather conditions are unpredictable, and the situation could deteriorate further if the rain persists,” he said.

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The Ethiopian government and humanitarian partners have established Emergency Coordination Centers (ECCs) “to manage and coordinate the response efforts effectively,” the Pastoral Coordinator of Soddo Vicariate told ACI Africa July 25.

The centers, he went on to say, “are crucial for organizing relief operations, distributing resources, and ensuring a coordinated approach among various stakeholders.”

“The continued collaboration and support of all stakeholders are essential to address the immediate needs and mitigate the long-term impacts of this disaster,” Fr. Gugala said.

Footage shared by the local administration showed people digging up bodies with shovels and bare hands.

“The death toll surged after the people who came to rescue also got trapped,” Gofa district administrator, Misikir Mitiku has been quoted as saying, and described the phenomenon as “a very sad incident.”

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The town of Gofa is located in Southern Ethiopia, some 320 kilometers south-west of Addis Ababa, the capital.

According to the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Southern Ethiopia has been stricken by particularly heavy rain and flooding in recent months.

While heavy rains and flooding are caused by a variety of factors, climate change is seen to increase the likelihood of extreme rainfall and deadly floods, resulting in landslides.

Jude Atemanke

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.