At least 70 people have died in landslides triggered by days of heavy rainfall in Ethiopia's southern Gamo Zone, regional authorities confirmed on Thursday, March 12. The death toll has risen sharply from initial reports of 52 fatalities earlier in the week, with hundreds displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.
According to a regional government statement, the disaster destroyed 190 homes, displaced 575 residents, and impacted 3,480 family members. CGTN Africa correspondent Beka Atoma reported on Friday, March 13, that local sources estimate fatalities could exceed 120 as search efforts continue.
Emergency teams are providing food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter to affected communities. Authorities have warned of further rainfall over the next 10 days, urging residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately.
This disaster highlights growing climate vulnerability in East Africa, where extreme weather patterns in 2026 continue to test regional disaster response systems. Analysts stress the need for long-term infrastructure investments to mitigate future risks.
