“We stand in strong solidarity with the people and government of Ethiopia as rescue efforts continue to find the missing and assist the displaced,” Mahamat wrote on X. The death toll from the landslide that hit the Gofa zone, Southern Nations and Peoples region, the day before surpassed 157, Zonal Emergency Response Committee head Habtamu Fetena said.

Quoted by the Addis Standard news agency, Fetena revealed that the deaths include 105 men and 52 women, including children. The figure will increase as rescue efforts progress, he said.

On the other hand, Kasahun Abayneh, a volunteer involved in the rescue efforts, told the news outlet that heavy rainfall overnight last Sunday triggered the avalanche and loss of life that occurred on Monday in the search process, which includes security personnel.

Abayneh confirmed that they found 10 survivors who were transferred to Sawula health center and nearby medical facilities.

The Ethiopian government warned earlier this month about the risk of flooding and related disasters during the current rainy season. The Southern Nations and Peoples region, along with others and Addis Ababa, were among the areas likely to suffer severe flooding.

jrr/arm/mem/nm