The death toll from floods and landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen to more than 100, after days of heavy rainfall triggered disasters across several communities.
Local authorities say at least 102 people have died in the Gamo Zone, with dozens of others still missing. The number of victims has steadily increased over the past day as rescue teams continue searching through mud and debris.
Most of the deaths occurred in highland areas where the ground had become saturated after days of intense rain. The unstable slopes eventually gave way, causing landslides that buried homes and swept through villages.
The nearby city of Arba Minch and surrounding districts have experienced continuous downpours for nearly two days. The heavy rain has caused severe flooding, damaging houses, farmland and local infrastructure.
Officials say mudslides have also blocked key roads, while several bridges have been submerged, making rescue efforts more difficult. Emergency teams are still monitoring the situation as more rainfall could trigger further landslides.
Earlier in the week, Tilahun Kebede, the governor of the South Ethiopia Regional State, expressed condolences to the families affected by the disaster and warned residents in vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
Severe weather has affected much of East Africa in recent days. Flooding has also killed dozens of people in Kenya, as storms continue to hit the region.
Scientists say extreme weather events such as prolonged heavy rainfall are becoming more frequent across East Africa, with many studies linking the trend to the growing impacts of Climate Change.
