Published：Mar 11, 16:23Last updated：Mar 16, 09:47

Deadly Landslides in Southern Ethiopia: Rising Death Toll and National Mourning

Mar. 11, 2026 16:23

Ethiopian authorities reported that 30 people died due to landslides and floods in the Gamo highland region in the south of the country. Most victims were in mountainous areas where water-saturated slopes collapsed after continuous heavy rains. The tragedy was confirmed on March 11, 2026.

Summarized

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12Media

Mar. 16, 2026 06:48

The death toll from recent landslides in Ethiopia has increased to 125, according to the South Ethiopia regional government. The landslides occurred last week, causing significant casualties.

Mar. 16, 2026 09:47

On March 16, 2026, Vladimir Putin sent condolences to Ethiopia following severe floods and landslides from March 9-11 that caused over 100 deaths in southern Ethiopia.

Southern Ethiopia is reeling from catastrophic landslides triggered by relentless heavy rains in the Gamo region between March 9 and 11, 2026. The disaster has resulted in a sharply rising death toll, extensive displacement, and widespread destruction, prompting the Ethiopian government to declare a three-day national mourning period starting March 14, 2026. Emergency operations are ongoing as authorities and international partners respond to one of the region’s deadliest recent natural disasters.
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🌧️ Escalating Human Toll and Displacement

The landslides, centered in the Gamo region of southern Ethiopia, have killed at least 125 people as of March 16, 2026, according to the South Ethiopia regional government. The death toll has climbed rapidly from initial reports of 102 fatalities earlier in the week. Over 3,400 residents have been relocated, and many remain missing as search and rescue teams continue their efforts. Entire villages have been buried, with homes, farmland, and infrastructure such as roads and bridges destroyed by the disaster.
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🚨 Government and International Response

The Ethiopian Parliament declared a three-day national mourning beginning March 14 to honor the victims. Local authorities are distributing emergency supplies and coordinating rescue operations, while safety warnings have been issued for high-risk zones due to ongoing rains. On March 16, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent official condolences to Ethiopia, underscoring the international recognition of the tragedy and the scale of humanitarian need.
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🌍 Ongoing Risks and Broader Regional Context

The Gamo highlands, a densely populated agricultural area, remain at risk as heavy rains persist during Ethiopia’s rainy season. The disaster highlights the acute vulnerability of mountainous communities to extreme weather events and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate adaptation strategies. The government is mobilizing resources for both immediate relief and long-term resilience as the region faces continued threats from unstable terrain and further rainfall.
Radio France Internationale+2

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