The death count from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has climbed to 157 people. Triggered by heavy rains, the disaster occurred at 10:am local time Sunday in Gofa zone– a remote mountainous region in South Ethiopia, and another in Kancho Shacha Gozdi district there.
The deceased include young children and pregnant women. Footage shows a large crowd gathered at the scene and several digging in the dirt while partially collapsed hillside is seen in the background. According to officials, the steep terrain makes work difficult for rescue operations. Five people were pulled alive from the mud, they said.
Landslides commonly occur during monsoon season in Ethiopia that starts from July lasting up to September.
