At least 55 people have lost their lives in a devastating landslide that struck a remote region of southern Ethiopia on Monday, local authorities reported.
Officials warned that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
The landslide occurred around 10:00 AM local time following heavy rainfall in the mountainous area of the Gofa zone, within the South Ethiopia regional state.
Local chief Dagmawi Zerihun described the scene as catastrophic, with women and children among the victims.
Heart-wrenching images shared on social media by state media outlets depicted the scale of the disaster, showing hundreds of people desperately digging through the thick layer of mud in search of survivors.
Despite the tireless efforts, hopes of finding anyone alive are fading.
The Gofa zone, located approximately 450 kilometers from the capital Addis Ababa, is a region accustomed to harsh weather conditions.
The area has a history of landslides, with a similar tragedy claiming the lives of at least 32 people in 2018.
The recent landslide comes on the heels of widespread flooding caused by heavy rains in the region between April and May.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that over 19,000 people were affected, with thousands displaced from their homes.
As the nation mourns the loss of life, authorities are working to provide aid to the survivors and to prevent further tragedies.
