Addis ababa: The House of People's Representatives has declared a three-day national mourning period following a landslide in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, an official statement issued today confirmed that the landslide occurred earlier this week in Laka Kebele, Gacha Baba Woreda, resulting in the loss of several lives. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as emergency teams strive to locate individuals still missing.
The council expressed sorrow over the incident and announced that, in accordance with Flag Proclamation No. 654/2001, the national mourning period will begin on March 14, 2026. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across all government institutions, ships, and diplomatic missions abroad.
The landslide, which struck on March 10, 2026, caused significant fatalities and displaced many residents in the affected areas. The Government Communication Service extended condolences to the victims' families and the people of the Gamo Zone and the South Ethiopia region.
Senior federal and regional government officials have traveled to the affected area to oversee emergency operations and provide community support. Authorities reported that the regional administration, in collaboration with the Disaster Risk Management Commission, has organized relief efforts to deliver food, shelter, and essential supplies to displaced residents.
The government has emphasized its commitment to aiding survivors in rebuilding their lives and restoring livelihoods in the affected districts. Officials are also assessing high-risk areas to prevent further disasters, with residents in landslide-prone locations being relocated to safer areas.
With the ongoing rainy season increasing the risk of similar incidents, authorities have urged the public, especially those in highland and erosion-prone areas, to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines issued by government agencies. The Ethiopian government reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with regional authorities and partners to ensure full recovery and rehabilitation of affected communities.