Fourteen people died, and seven were injured in a landslide caused by heavy rain in Ethiopia’s Amhara region on Monday morning. Many people are feared to remain trapped under the debris, and relief and rescue operations are currently underway.
Did the accident occur during a religious ritual?
The incident took place at the Tsadkane Debre Mitmak St. Mary Monastery, where hundreds of devotees had gathered to participate in a purification ritual involving holy water. This ritual is associated with beliefs regarding relief from ailments and spiritual healing.
Many still trapped under debris
According to Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu, the General Manager of the diocese, the incident occurred around 7:00 AM. He stated that the last rites for 11 of the deceased were performed within the monastery complex, while the bodies of the others were sent to their hometowns. Identifying some of the bodies is proving difficult. He added that many people are feared to remain buried under the debris.
Relief and rescue operations underway
Those critically injured have been admitted to a hospital in Debre Berhan, the capital of the North Shewa administrative zone. Local authorities reported that a specialist team from the disaster management department has arrived at the site and is engaged in relief and rescue operations.
Are such natural disasters on the rise?
Landslides and floods have become common occurrences in Ethiopia during the rainy season, which lasts from June to September. In July 2024, at least 257 people died in a landslide in southern Ethiopia, while earlier that same year, over 100 people lost their lives in a similar incident in the Gamo region. Reports indicate that the risk of such natural disasters in the country is steadily increasing due to climate change and weak infrastructure.