Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed arrived in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State early this morning to personally assess the damage and offer condolences following a catastrophic series of landslides that have claimed over 100 lives. The Prime Minister traveled directly to Arba Minch immediately after concluding an official working visit to the United Arab Emirates. His arrival underscores the federal government’s commitment to addressing the humanitarian crisis triggered by heavy seasonal rainfall, which has resulted in at least 102 confirmed deaths and displaced thousands of residents in the Gacho Baba and surrounding districts.
The disaster, fueled by relentless Belg (spring) rains, has struck a devastating blow to the region’s infrastructure and agricultural stability. During his site visit, Prime Minister Abiy expressed his “profound sorrow” over the loss of citizens—with officials confirming that 80 bodies have already been recovered while dozens more remain missing under the debris. He met with local elders and survivors, emphasizing that the entire nation mourns with the families who have lost loved ones in the sudden mudslides. The Prime Minister noted that while the region is known for its natural beauty, the current climate patterns have turned its rugged terrain into a high-risk zone for vulnerable communities.
Currently, the Prime Minister is stationed in Arba Minch to lead a high-level evaluation of the ongoing emergency response. He is working closely with regional leaders and disaster management experts to streamline the delivery of food, medicine, and temporary shelter for the estimated 3,461 people who have been displaced. “Our immediate priority is the preservation of life,” the Prime Minister stated during a briefing with emergency coordinators. He has ordered an acceleration of search and rescue operations, ensuring that specialized teams have the resources necessary to navigate the difficult, water-logged terrain where many are still feared buried.
Beyond immediate relief, Prime Minister Abiy assured the affected populations that the government will maintain a coordinated effort for long-term rehabilitation. He pledged that the state would not only provide essential supplies but also implement a comprehensive recovery plan to help families rebuild their homes and livelihoods. This commitment includes the deployment of technical teams to restore damaged roadways and communication lines, which have been severed by the floods. The government has also declared three days of national mourning, beginning today, March 14, with the national flag flying at half-mast to honor the victims.
Addressing the root causes of the disaster, the Prime Minister stressed that reactive measures are no longer sufficient in the face of increasingly volatile weather patterns. He called for an immediate, in-depth scientific study to identify permanent solutions for the region’s geological instability. Abiy emphasized the necessity of proactive environmental management, including large-scale reforestation and soil conservation efforts. He urged local administrations to strictly enforce safety protocols and relocate residents from high-risk slopes before the onset of further heavy rains, as meteorologists warn of continued precipitation over the next ten days.
The visit concluded with a recognition of the collective spirit shown by the Ethiopian people. The Prime Minister highlighted the integrated support efforts currently being spearheaded by government agencies and a massive wave of volunteers who have been digging through the mud to recover victims. From local youth groups to international NGOs, the collaborative response in Gamo Zone serves as a testament to national unity during times of peril. As the recovery process begins, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that the government’s focus would remain steadfast on building more resilient communities capable of weathering the challenges of a changing climate.