Source: Africa Publicity
Landslides and floods in the Gamo Zone of Ethiopia have killed at least 64 people, with dozens other reported missing.
According to Ethiopian authorities, majority of the people who died were found buried in mud.
South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday that
“The number of people missing due to the recent flood in Gamo zone has reached 128, and according to the latest information, 64 bodies have been found.”
The Gacho Baba district communication chief, Abebe Agena, told journalists that most of those who died were found buried in mud.
Reports say it remains unclear how many households were affected.
The AFP and AP reported the Gamo Zone director of disaster response Mesfin Manuqa as saying that one person was pulled out of mud alive during rescue operations.
Tilahun Kebede, president of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed his sorrow over the disaster and urged residents to move to higher ground as rains continue.
“Given that it is the rainy season and these types of disasters could happen again, I am calling on communities living in the highlands and flood-prone areas to take the necessary precautions,” he says.
