Ethiopia Heavy Rain Causes Landslides, Killing at Least 229 People | WPN World People News

On the 22nd, two landslides occurred in Gofa Zone, southwestern Ethiopia, due to heavy rainfall, resulting in 229 deaths. Among the victims, 148 were men, and 81 were women. The number of missing persons is currently unknown, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.

Gofa Zone is one of the 17 zones in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia, located about 320 kilometers from the capital. The area is rugged and hilly, making it difficult to establish large-scale agricultural economies. The residents have long suffered from poverty and food insecurity.

Reports indicate that heavy rain began in Gofa Zone on the night of the 21st, with the first landslide occurring at 10 AM on the 22nd. Many volunteers rushed to the scene to rescue people trapped in their homes. Unfortunately, a second landslide occurred soon after, leading to the deaths of volunteers, including local officials, police officers, teachers, and experts from the health and agricultural sectors.