Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions [South Ethiopia Regional State Office Of The President]<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
At least 30 people have been killed in floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia, local officials have said.<\/p>\n
Authorities reported that most people had died in highland areas, where saturated slopes gave way after days of intense rain. Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to take precautions.<\/p>\n
Torrential rains have unleashed widespread flooding across East Africa in recent days. Dozens have also died in neighbouring Kenya.<\/p>\n
Forecasters say storms are becoming more intense in the region, partly due to climate change.<\/p>\n
The Southern Ethiopia regional state governor offered his condolences to the affected families. “On behalf of myself and the regional government, I express my deep sorrow over the loss of 30 lives due to landslides and floods in the highlands of Gamo Zone caused by heavy rains,” Tilahun Kebede said in a statement on Facebook<\/a> late on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Officials said the disaster followed sustained rainfall in surrounding districts.<\/p>\n The town of Arba Minch and neighbouring areas have experienced continuous downpours for two days, causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure and farmland.<\/p>\n Authorities have warned that further flooding and landslides remain possible.<\/p>\n Mudslides have blocked key roads and several bridges have been flooded, prompting calls for the public to remain vigilant. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation.<\/p>\n