National Mourning Declared as Landslide Death Toll Rises in South Ethiopia. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — The Ethiopian government has declared a three-day national mourning period after catastrophic landslides and floods in South Ethiopia, with 65 confirmed casualties as of the latest reports.
The government, in a communiqué, confirmed the tragic incident which struck various regions, causing significant loss of life and property.
The affected areas have been experiencing heavy rainfall in recent days, which is believed to have contributed to the landslides and subsequent flooding.
According to local reports, rescue operations are ongoing, with regional officials confirming that search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide aid to the affected communities.
The government stated that it is mobilizing all necessary resources to address the crisis and is appealing for international assistance to reinforce its efforts.
The national mourning period is a sign of the gravity of the situation, as the government acknowledges the depth of sorrow and loss experienced by the families of the deceased and the broader community affected by the disaster. Sources close to the matter said that the government is also focusing on immediate relief efforts, including providing food, shelter, and medical care to the displaced and injured.
The situation remains fluid, with officials expressing concern about the possibility of further landslides and flooding in the coming days due to the ongoing inclement weather.
The government has urged the public to stay alert and follow official advisories for their safety. Further details about the incident and ongoing response efforts are expected to be provided as the situation develops.
The government stated that a thorough investigation into the causes of the landslides will also be conducted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
