At least 157 people have died in a landslide in Ethiopia

At least 157 people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy rains in southern Ethiopia. Many of those who gathered to rescue those killed in the July 21 landslide were killed in the second landslide. Among the victims are women and children.

At least 157 people from two villages were killed in landslides in southern Ethiopia. The landslides occurred on the evening of July 21 and the morning of July 22 after heavy rains in the remote mountainous area of the Gofa zone.

Local authorities said the search for survivors was ongoing, but the death toll could rise.

Meskir Mitku, chief administrator of Gofa zone, said the victims included women, children and police officers.

“[On Monday] morning, local residents, including police, gathered at the square to rescue victims of the first landslide. Around 10:00 a.m., a second landslide occurred and those gathered there were also killed," he said.

Gofa is a part of Southern Ethiopia, located about 320 km southwest of the capital Addis Ababa.

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), southern Ethiopia is one of the areas particularly affected by heavy rains and floods in recent months.