Devastating Mudslides Kill 157 in Ethiopia, Burying Rescuers

Mudslides in a remote part of Ethiopia have claimed the lives of at least 157 people, with many of the victims being rescue workers attempting to save survivors of an earlier mudslide.

At least 157 people have been killed in a series of mudslides that have ravaged a remote part of Ethiopia, according to local authorities. The death toll has risen significantly since Monday, when it stood at 55.

The mudslides occurred in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district of southern Ethiopia, which has been experiencing heavy rainfall. Young children and pregnant women were among the victims.

Devastating Mudslides Kill 157 in Ethiopia, Burying Rescuers

Most of the fatalities occurred on Monday morning when a mudslide buried rescue workers who were searching for survivors of a previous mudslide that had occurred the day before.

"We are still searching for the missing," said Markos Melese, director of the disaster response agency in Gofa Zone. "There are children who are hugging corpses, having lost their entire family, including mother, father, brother and sister, due to the accident."

Devastating Mudslides Kill 157 in Ethiopia, Burying Rescuers

At least five people have been rescued alive from the mud, but many remain unaccounted for. The search operations are ongoing, but the steep terrain and continued rainfall are making the efforts difficult.

Landslides are common in Ethiopia during the rainy season, which typically lasts from July to mid-September. The heavy rainfall has also caused flooding in other parts of the country, displacing thousands of people.

The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency in the affected area and has deployed military personnel to assist with the relief efforts. International aid organizations are also providing assistance.

The mudslides have caused widespread devastation and left many people homeless. The government is urging people in affected areas to move to higher ground and to be aware of the risks of landslides.

The Ethiopian government is also appealing for international assistance to help with the relief efforts. The country is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people in need of food and other basic necessities.

The mudslides are a tragic reminder of the dangers that natural disasters pose to vulnerable communities. The government and international community must work together to provide assistance to the victims and to prevent future tragedies.