Landslide Devastation in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region

A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rainfall in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has claimed the lives of 14 people and left seven others injured. The disaster occurred at the Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St. Mary Monastery, where hundreds of worshippers had gathered for a holy water cleansing ritual.

The ritual, popular among people seeking spiritual healing for chronic illnesses, drew a large crowd to the monastery. However, the gathering turned tragic when a landslide occurred, triggered by heavy rainfall in the area. The disaster struck at approximately 7 a.m., catching many of the worshippers off guard.

‘The disaster occurred at approximately 7 a.m., and many of those who died had gathered to receive the holy water,’ Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu, the diocese’s general manager, told The Associated Press. He added that an unknown number of people are still believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

Of the 14 people who lost their lives, 11 have already been buried at the monastery, while the remains of the others were sent to their hometowns. Those who sustained serious injuries were taken to Debre Birhan, the capital of North Shewa Administrative Zone, approximately 70 kilometers from the monastery.

The landslide occurred near a mountain, where massive rocks broke loose and crashed onto the worshippers, worsening the disaster. A team of experts from the local disaster prevention office has been deployed to assist search and rescue operations, according to the local administration’s communications office.

Mudslides and flooding caused by heavy rainfall have become increasingly common in Ethiopia, particularly during the rainy season, locally known as Kiremt, which typically runs from June to September. In July 2024, a deadly mudslide triggered by heavy rains killed at least 257 people in southern Ethiopia. Earlier this year, more than 100 people also died in a similar mudslide in Gamo, in southern Ethiopia.

The Horn of Africa nation has been increasingly affected by extreme weather events linked to climate change. Poor infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, has left many communities highly vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and recurring droughts, with limited capacity to respond to such disasters.

As search and rescue efforts continue, the community is coming together to support those affected by the disaster. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust infrastructure to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

The Ethiopian government has pledged to provide support to the affected communities and to work towards improving disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the country.