Ethiopia: Response operations are ongoing as of July 23 following fatal landslides in the Gofa Zone

Response operations are ongoing in Gofa Zone, South Ethiopia Regional State, as of July 23, following landslides that have caused dozens of fatalities. Heavy rainfall late July 21 triggered a landslide in Geze Gofa Woreda. As emergency services and local residents carried out search and rescue operations on July 22, a second landslide occurred on the hillside, burying many of those responding to the initial incident. As of July 23, authorities have reported at least 157 fatalities; search operations continue, and the death toll could rise further in the coming hours and days. At least ten others have been taken to local medical facilities for treatment. Further scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast in the region over the coming days; additional downpours could trigger further landslides and hamper ongoing response operations. Protracted disruptions are likely in the region as response operations continue.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil, as well as possible flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will probably cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will likely temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions are likely in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.