A devastating landslide in the remote Gofa district of southern Ethiopia has claimed at least 146 lives, according to local officials.

“The number of dead from the sudden landslide that happened in Geze-Gofa district of Gofa zone has passed 146,” a statement from the Gofa zone Communications Affairs Department says.

The disaster struck around 10:00 AM on Monday, following heavy rainfall in the mountainous region.

Local authorities reported that the search for survivors is ongoing, with 96 men and 50 women confirmed deceased so far.

Tragically, rescuers were also among the casualties, with several going missing during the search and rescue efforts

The initial death toll was significantly lower, highlighting the challenges of obtaining accurate information from this isolated area.

Images shared on social media depict local residents desperately digging through the debris without any visible official rescue teams.

The region, located approximately 450 kilometers from the capital, Addis Ababa, is known for its unstable soil, making it prone to landslides during heavy rains.

Ethiopia frequently faces climate-related disasters, including floods and droughts, which have displaced thousands in recent months.

The United Nations has noted that recent flooding has already affected over 19,000 people in the southern region.

This tragic event is not isolated; similar landslides have occurred in the past, including a 2018 incident that resulted in 32 fatalities. The ongoing rainy season, expected to last until mid-September, raises concerns for further disasters in the region.