At least 30 people have died after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides in southern Ethiopia, local authorities have said.
The disaster struck the highland areas of Gamo Zone, where days of intense rainfall saturated the ground and caused slopes to collapse, burying homes and communities.
Officials said most of the victims were killed in mountainous areas particularly vulnerable to landslides. Residents living in at-risk locations have been urged to take precautionary measures as more rain is expected.
The storms are part of a wider wave of extreme weather affecting East Africa. In neighbouring Kenya, dozens of people have also died in recent flooding caused by torrential rains.
Tilahun Kebede, governor of Southern Ethiopia regional state, expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“On behalf of myself and the regional government, I express my deep sorrow over the loss of 30 lives due to landslides and floods in the highlands of Gamo Zone caused by heavy rains,” he said in a statement posted on Facebook.
Authorities said the rains had continued for several days in and around the town of Arba Minch, damaging homes, farmland and infrastructure.
Mudslides have blocked major roads while several bridges have been submerged, complicating rescue and relief efforts. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation as officials warn that additional flooding and landslides remain possible.
Scientists say extreme weather events in East Africa are becoming more frequent and severe, with Climate Change contributing to heavier and more prolonged rainfall.
The region has experienced several deadly disasters in recent years. In July 2024, more than 229 people were killed by a massive landslide in the neighbouring Geze Gofa Zone.
