The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is alarmed by reports concerning the loss of lives and damage to residences and livelihoods following landslide in Southern Ethiopia Region, Gofa Zone, Geze Gofa Woreda, Kencho Shasha Gozdi Kebele, on July 21, 2024, around 10:00 AM.
As of the time of publication, Gofa Zone Government Communication Affairs has reported (social media post on July 23, 2024) that more than 229 persons, including 81 women, have lost their lives. Extensive damage throughout the area has also been reported. The zonal authorities also indicated possibility of spike in the death toll and that rescue and first response efforts are ongoing.
The coordination of regional and zonal government bodies, national humanitarian organizations and local residents to provide emergency assistance, including of various essential items, to those affected is a positive step. However, concerted efforts by relevant federal and regional authorities and national and international humanitarian organizations are necessary to ensure that emergency response efforts are compliant with human rights principles and provisions as outlined in the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), the African Union Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Africa (2015-2030) and the National Disaster Risk Management Policy.
EHRC Interim Chief Commissioner Rakeb Messele, reiterating the alarming death toll and overall scale of suffering and destruction caused, called for “particular attention to women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities who face heightened vulnerability during natural disasters” and underscored “the urgency to provide immediate assistance to persons displaced by the landslides”.
