Ethiopia Landslides: Death Toll Rises Amid Continued Rescue Efforts

The death toll from recent landslides in Ethiopia has increased to 257 and could rise to 500, according to the UN. Heavy rainfall caused a landslide in the Gofa zone, and a second landslide followed as people gathered to help. Ethiopia's disaster management reported 229 casualties earlier.

The death toll from landslides in Ethiopia earlier this week has risen to 257 and is expected to rise to 500, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission had initially reported 229 casualties. The tragedy began with heavy rainfall causing a landslide to bury residents in the Gofa zone of Southern Ethiopia on Sunday night. A second landslide occurred on Monday morning, engulfing others who had come to assist.

The humanitarian crisis continues to unfold as rescue efforts persist amidst challenging conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)