Floods and landslides kill 30 in Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone

30 people killed in Gamo Zone floods and landslides At least 30 fatalities were confirmed after heavy rainfall triggered floods and landslides in the highland areas of Ethiopia’s Gamo Zone, according to local officials [1].

Saturated slopes collapsed after days of intense rain Authorities said most deaths occurred in highland districts where prolonged, torrential rain saturated slopes, causing them to give way; residents in vulnerable zones have been urged to take precautions [1].

Widespread flooding hits East Africa, Kenya also reports deaths Recent torrential rains have produced extensive flooding across East Africa, with dozens of additional deaths reported in neighboring Kenya, underscoring a regional emergency [1].

Governor Tilahun Kebede offers condolences via Facebook statement Southern Ethiopia’s regional governor expressed deep sorrow for the loss of 30 lives, stating his sympathy on behalf of the regional government in a Facebook post late Tuesday [2].

Arba Minch experiences two days of continuous downpours, damaging infrastructure The town of Arba Minch and surrounding areas endured nonstop rain for two days, leading to damage to homes, farmland and key roads, while authorities warned that further floods and landslides remain possible [1].

Scientists link increasing extreme wet spells to human‑driven climate change Over the past two decades, studies documented a rise in both extreme wet spells and prolonged dry periods across East Africa, and researchers caution that anthropogenic climate change is making such severe weather events more frequent and intense; a landslide in the neighboring Geze Gofa Zone in July 2024 killed more than 229 people, illustrating the region’s vulnerability [3][1].