IGAD commits to support member states in disaster preparedness, management

IGAD has reaffirmed commitment to supporting member states in enhancing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to prevent such tragedies in the future.

In a statement, IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu extended his condolences to families affected by landslides in Southern Ethiopia as he urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to protect lives.

“As the region continues to face the harsh impacts of climate change, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols to protect lives and prevent further tragedies.” Workneh urged.

This following landslides that occurred on Sunday evening and Monday morning, after heavy rains in a remote mountainous area of the Gofa zone.

According to BBC, a local authority said the search for survivors was “continuing vigorously” but that the “death toll could yet increase”.

Rescue teams have so far retrieved the bodies of 229 people killed in two landslides in southern Ethiopia.