Rescue Operations Underway Following Lethal Mudslide in Southern Ethiopia

A mudslide in southern Ethiopia has claimed the lives of at least 229 people, with the death toll increasing from the initial 55. The disaster, triggered by heavy rain, affected young children and pregnant women, with at least five people being rescued alive.

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, expressed condolences and activated a federal disaster prevention task force to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

The exact number of people still missing is unknown. Rescue teams are combed through the rugged terrain for survivors of a previous mudslide. Search efforts are ongoing in the area, with many rescuers still unaccounted for.

Landslides are a common occurrence during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which began in July and is expected to continue until mid-September.