Devastation in Ethiopia’s Gofa after deadly landslides: Horror, grief, trauma | Environment News

Gofa Zone, Ethiopia – Retired teacher Meaza Tadelu clings to hope as volunteers search for his missing wife after deadly landslides in Gofa Zone, Ethiopia. The disaster, triggered by heavy rains, has claimed at least 257 lives, with more casualties expected.

Locals, including Tadelu’s brother, have been tirelessly digging through debris to find survivors. The remote village of Daly, where poverty persists, lacks proper facilities for timely help. Rescue efforts have been challenging due to the difficult terrain.

Families mourn the loss of loved ones and struggle to cope with the magnitude of the tragedy. With over 500 people displaced, villagers rely on makeshift tools and sheer determination to search for survivors.

Landslides, a common occurrence in the area, highlight the impact of rapid deforestation. Tadelu, who has lived through previous disasters, faces the harsh reality that his wife may not be found alive.

Despite the grim circumstances, Tadelu and his fellow villagers remain resilient, clinging to hope as they continue to excavate the debris in search of closure and any sign of their missing loved ones.

This piece was published in collaboration with Egab.