At least 50 people killed, 125 others reported missing after landslides sweep Ethiopia

Heavy seasonal rains have triggered devastating landslides and flooding in southern Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone , killing dozens of people, displacing families and prompting urgent safety warnings from officials as rescue operations continue.

Local authorities reported that at least 50 people have died and about 125 others are missing after a week of intense rainfall caused hillsides to collapse in the districts of Gacho Baba, Kamba and Bonke . Most of the fatalities were found buried under mud , officials said, and the figures are expected to change as search teams work through difficult terrain.

Mesfin Manuqa, director of disaster response for the Gamo Zone, said rescue crews managed to pull one person alive from the mud, but conditions remain hazardous in the affected areas.

The South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission reported that the number of bodies recovered are at least 64 confirmed dead and 128 still missing according to the latest information shared by authorities, indicating the toll may be rising as recovery efforts continue.

Regional leaders have expressed deep sorrow and concern over the disaster. Tilahun Kebede , president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, offered condolences to the families of victims and urged residents living in highland and flood‑prone communities to move to higher ground as the rainy season persists. He warned that similar disasters could occur with continued rainfall.

Heavy rains have also blocked transport routes and disrupted mobility , complicating rescue operations and isolating some communities, according to local reports. Authorities have not yet released comprehensive figures on the number of households affected or displaced.

Landslides and flash floods are a recurring hazard in this part of Ethiopia during the rainy season, which typically runs through March. The region has a history of deadly mudslides, including a catastrophic series of landslides in middle and southern Ethiopia in July 2024 , which killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands.

Humanitarian teams are supporting search and rescue operations while assessing the broader impact of the disaster. Authorities have emphasized the importance of community preparedness and early warning measures as heavy rainfall continues across parts of East Africa, where widespread flooding has affected several countries in recent weeks.