Addis ababa: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has conveyed sorrow and condolences to the Ethiopian government and its citizens following devastating mudslides in the Gamo Zone that resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of thousands.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Youssouf emphasized solidarity with the affected communities and praised the efforts of emergency responders and humanitarian workers, while urging for enhanced disaster risk management and climate resilience initiatives. The tragic landslides in the Gamo Zone have claimed many lives and displaced thousands of families after days of heavy rainfall.
The Chairperson extended deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to those injured, expressing solidarity with all communities affected by the disaster. Youssouf also paid tribute to the emergency responders, humanitarian workers, and local volunteers who are working tirelessly to rescue survivors and provide assistance to those in need.
"The African Union Commission stands with Ethiopia during this period of national mourning and reaffirms its support for the ongoing relief and recovery efforts," the statement said. The Chairperson also expressed concern over the wider impact of severe flooding across the region and underscored the importance of investing in disaster risk management, early warning systems, and climate resilience to better protect communities from the increasing threat of extreme weather.