A natural disaster recently struck the North Gondar region of Ethiopia, leaving a heavy toll of 23 people dead following a series of landslides. This tragic event took place more than 770 kilometers from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and has deeply affected the inhabitants of the region.
According to information relayed by the Ethiopian website Addis Standard, the landslides affected 11 rural villages spread across four districts of the region. The consequences were devastating: more than 2,700 people were forced to leave their homes, while significant damage was reported to crops and homes.
The figures are alarming: nearly 1,800 hectares of crops were damaged, and 48 houses were destroyed in the three affected districts. These figures unfortunately only reflect a part of the damage caused by this natural disaster.
It is important to note that this is not the first time that Ethiopia has been affected by such events. Last July, a landslide claimed the lives of more than 250 people in Kensho Shasha Gozde village, located in Gofa region. Other landslides were also reported in Dicha, Kafa and Sidama regions, causing further loss of life and injuries.
In response to this series of disasters, the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute issued a weather alert on 13 August, warning of further risks of landslides, river flooding and flash floods due to expected heavy rains. The warning underscores the need for preventive measures, especially in mountainous areas, and recommends monitoring of critical infrastructure to mitigate the risks.
This series of landslides in Ethiopia highlights the vulnerability of populations to natural disasters and underlines the importance of strengthening prevention and risk management measures. It is crucial that authorities and local communities work together to anticipate these events and protect the lives of citizens.