National Humanitarian Assistance to Gofa Zone Landslide Victims Consolidated

 
The Ethiopian government is delivering humanitarian assistance to victims of devastating landslide that hit Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele of Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia Region.

The landslide was caused by heavy rains in Gofa Zone on Sunday night, burying some residents. Sadly, another landslide hit the area on Monday morning, engulfing those people who gathered for search-and-rescue operations.

The incident has claimed 226 lives, according to Disaster Risk Management Commission.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the deployment of a federal disaster prevention task force to Gozdi Kebele on July 23 to facilitate rescue operation and emergency assistance provisions to the affected community. 

Following the premier's announcement,  various government bodies have mobilized resources to provide immediate relief and support to the affected communities.

Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) in a statement sent to ENA said that the humanitarian and rehabilitation activities are well underway, delivering assistance to the victims of  landslide in Gozdi Kebele of Southern Ethiopia region as per the direction given by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.  

Ambassador Shiferaw Teklemariam  Disaster Risk Management Commissioner recalled that the landslide disaster caused loss of lives and destruction of properties in Gozdi Kebele of Gofa Zone.

The federal taskforce,  comprising high ranking government officials from various ministries and institutions, has been deployed to the Gozdi Kebele to identify critical issues and the necessary humanitarian assistance in the area, the commissioner said. 

While the lifesaving operations still continue, the number of persons who died as a result of  the landslide has so far reached 226, he revealed.  

He added that in parallel to  the provision of humanitarian support, efforts are in place to rehabilitate the victims in an orderly manner based on study, he indicated.  

Accordingly, 600 people have been relocated from the area hit by the landslide, where altogether 6,000 vulnerable people have been identified for relocation, he pointed out.

The humanitarian support has been intensified by federal and regional states as well as various institutions, and the citizens at large.

The commissioner further said other humanitarian partners have also been extending food and non-food assistance through the UNOCHA.

Earlier today, the Addis Ababa City Administration also provided relief assistance to the victims of Geze-Gofa district.

Mayor of Addis Ababa city Adanech Abiebie announced yesterday, "We have dispatched over 45 million Birr in cash and  humanitarian emergency items to assist the landslide victims in the Geze Gofa woreda."

Meanwhile, Kasech Elias, Head of the Southern Ethiopia Region’s Women and Children's Bureau, reported that the bureau has delivered essential supplies to the site. "We have provided 750 liters of cooking oil, powdered milk, and clothing for 100 infants, sanitary pads for women, and other forms of support.

The Southern Command of the  National Defense Force has also made a contribution to the relief efforts. Major General Admasu Alemu, Deputy Commander for Operations, visited the affected area and oversaw the delivery of 40 quintals of biscuits and 5 quintals of sugar. Additionally, the Command has dispatched an ambulance and a team of medical professionals to provide emergency support.

Ethio Telecom, in collaboration with the disaster prevention of Southern Ethiopia Region, has launched fundraising SMS 8091 to support the affected community. 

Deputy Chief Administrator of the Southern Ethiopia Region, Gebremeskel Chala, emphasized the government's commitment for sustainable recovery of affected community. "Beyond providing temporary humanitarian aid, the regional government has established a task force to assist the victims in rebuilding their life sustainably," he stated.

Overall, the national emergency assistance provided to victims of landslide in Kencho Sacha kebele, of Gofa Zone showcases the concerted efforts of  the federal, regional, and local authorities, as well as public enterprises and the general public.

The incident underscored that local capacity should be enhanced for disaster response and recovery.

As the rescue and relief operations persist, authorities are urging ongoing support and solidarity from all sectors of society to support the affected communities in Gofa Zone. 

Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam has extended appreciation for Ethiopians  which have demonstrated solidarity in providing humanitarian assistance to the  victims of the landslide. 

Towards addressing the problem sustainably, he  urged fellow Ethiopians to continue their support.