ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Devastating mudslides in Ethiopia have claimed the lives of at least 229 people and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

The landslides, triggered by heavy rain, have left a trail of destruction in their wake, with entire communities buried under the mud and debris. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed local authorities and international aid organizations, with many people still missing and feared dead.

The Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency to mobilize resources for search and rescue operations in the hardest-hit areas. The Red Cross and other humanitarian agencies have been working around the clock to provide assistance to those affected by the disaster.

Rescue teams are facing treacherous conditions as they navigate the unstable terrain to search for survivors. The rugged topography of the region has hindered rescue efforts, making it difficult to reach remote villages cut off by the landslides.

The mudslides have highlighted the urgent need for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure development in Ethiopia. Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather events, increasing the risk of natural disasters like landslides in vulnerable communities.

As the country mourns the loss of hundreds of lives, questions are being raised about the government’s response to the disaster and its capacity to effectively handle such emergencies in the future. The tragic events in Ethiopia serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of environmental disasters on communities already grappling with poverty and instability.