storm - The number of casualties from landslides in Ethiopia has risen to 229.
The number of people who have died in multiple landslides in the Southwest of Ethiopia, according to government figures, has risen to at least 229. However, it is still unclear how many more people are buried under the earth and mud.
Volunteer helpers and rescue workers hope for survivors, but they have mainly found dead bodies since the first landslide on Sunday. In addition, helpers were also buried in a second landslide on Monday.
With the beginning of the rainy season in July, the likelihood of landslides increases in the hilly region. The consequences of climate change also affect the country at the Horn of Africa - the recent rainfall was stronger than usual due to the El Niño weather phenomenon.
Furthermore, in many regions, the risk of erosion is imminent due to deforestation, and without the tree roots, the soil is not held together. Heavy rainfall also complicates rescue efforts.
The unfavorable weather conditions and the beginning of the rainy season in July have increased the risk of landslides in Ethiopia's Southwest, leading to the catastrophic situation. The government's sacrifice count of those lost in the landslides stands at 229, but the true number could be significantly higher due to buried survivors. The climate change-induced El Niño weather phenomenon has led to stronger-than-usual rainfall, further exacerbating the emergency situation in Addis Ababa and other affected areas. Rescue efforts are challenged by both the heavy rainfall and the imminent risk of additional landslides due to deforestation and soil erosion.
