Death Toll Reaches 125 as Heavy Rains Trigger Devastating Landslides Across Southern Ethiopia

Over 125 confirmed dead and 11,000 displaced in Ethiopia following Gamo Zone landslides. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pledges state support for recovery efforts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 6:56 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The New Times

A Sudden Escalation in the Gamo Zone Disaster

The humanitarian situation in southern Ethiopia worsened significantly this week as regional officials revised the confirmed death toll to 125 following a series of catastrophic landslides. While initial reports on Thursday suggested a lower figure of 70 fatalities, the discovery of more victims in the rugged terrain of the Gamo Zone has underscored the immense scale of the tragedy. According to reports from Reuters on Monday, March 16, the disaster was set in motion by heavy seasonal rains that caused saturated soil to give way, burying homes and infrastructure under layers of debris.

The Geographic and Climatic Roots of the Tragedy

The landslides were not isolated incidents but rather a systemic failure of the landscape under extreme weather conditions affecting multiple parts of the Gamo Zone. This region has historically faced challenges with soil stability during periods of intense precipitation, which have become increasingly volatile in recent years. Local authorities noted that the downpours reached a critical threshold last week, transforming hillsides into moving torrents of earth that trapped families before they could evacuate, making search and recovery efforts exceptionally difficult for first responders on the ground.

Mass Displacement and the Growing Humanitarian Crisis

Beyond the rising loss of life, the South Ethiopia regional government communications office highlighted a burgeoning displacement crisis that has forced thousands from their communities. In a statement released via social media, officials revealed that more than 11,000 people have been displaced by the landslides and the ongoing threat of further ground instability. These internal refugees are currently seeking shelter in temporary camps and with host families, putting a significant strain on local resources and requiring an immediate escalation in the delivery of food, water, and medical supplies to the affected districts.