ARBA MINCH, Ethiopia — In a rare moment of hope amidst a national tragedy, rescue workers in southern Ethiopia successfully pulled a survivor from the debris on Saturday, three days after a catastrophic landslide buried an entire community.
The Gamo Zone Director of Disaster Response, Mesfin Manuqa, confirmed the rescue during an update on the recovery efforts. While the survivor’s condition has not been fully disclosed, their recovery is being hailed as a miracle as the official death toll climbed to 107.
Three Days of National Mourning
The disaster struck late Tuesday night, March 10, 2026, when torrential rains triggered a massive collapse of hillsides in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Regional State.
To honor those lost, the Ethiopian Parliament has declared a three-day period of national mourning, beginning Saturday. Flags across the country and at diplomatic missions abroad will fly at half-mast.
Prime Minister Visits the Frontlines
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to the disaster site on Saturday to meet with survivors and rescue teams. After witnessing the devastation firsthand, the Prime Minister emphasized that while immediate aid is coming, the country must look toward long-term solutions.
“Appropriate studies and work must be carried out to resolve the problem in a sustainable manner,” the Prime Minister stated. “Preventive measures are also necessary to protect our citizens from future occurrences.”
A Crisis of Displacement
The scale of the disaster has left local authorities struggling to manage a growing humanitarian crisis. According to the Gamo Zone Government Communication Affairs Department:
- Displaced: More than 3,400 residents have been forced to flee their homes.
- Ongoing Threat: Regional President Tilahun Kebede has issued an urgent directive for highland residents to move to higher ground immediately.
- Weather Outlook: With the rainy season in full swing, authorities fear that the saturated soil remains unstable and could trigger secondary landslides.
| Disaster Statistics | Current Figures |
| Confirmed Fatalities | 107 |
| Survivors Rescued (Day 3) | 1 |
| People Displaced | 3,400+ |
| Date of Incident | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 |
The government has pledged “necessary support” for the displaced families, including food, medical supplies, and temporary shelter, as the Gamo Zone remains on high alert for further rainfall.
