Pakistan on Monday expressed condolences to Ethiopia over devastating floods and landslides that have affected parts of the country.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected communities and we commend the efforts of the Ethiopian authorities who are working tirelessly to help those in need,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi said in a statement.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support to the people of Ethiopia and expressed Islamabad’s readiness to provide assistance in any possible way.
Read: Ethiopia’s landslides claim 55 lives, local officials say
The state television company APP reported that a landslide occurred in Laka Kebele of Gacha Baba Woreda, killing several people who were present in the area at the time, according to an official statement issued by the Ethiopian government.
Authorities have also declared a three-day national mourning period following a landslide in the Gamo zone of Ethiopia’s southern regional state.
BBC reported that at least 102 people have been killed in floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Gamo zone of southern Ethiopia, according to local authorities. The official death toll, initially reported at just over 30, rose sharply within 24 hours, with dozens still missing.
Most casualties were reported in highland areas where rain-soaked slopes collapsed after days of intense downpours. Officials said the disaster followed continuous rainfall in the surrounding districts.
The town of Arba Minch and nearby areas experienced continuous heavy rain for two days, causing extensive damage to houses, infrastructure and agricultural land.
Mudslides have blocked key roads while several bridges were flooded, raising fears of further disasters. Authorities have warned residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as further flooding and landslides remain possible.
