At least 102 people have died following floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia, according to local authorities.
The official death toll, which was initially reported at just over 30 on Tuesday, rose steadily over the next 24 hours. By Thursday, a senior police officer confirmed 64 deaths, before authorities later revised the figure to 102, with dozens still missing.
Most of the casualties occurred in highland communities where water-soaked slopes collapsed after days of intense rainfall. The town of Arba Minch and nearby areas experienced two days of continuous downpours, causing widespread destruction to homes, farmland and infrastructure.
Officials have warned residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant as further flooding and landslides remain possible. Mudslides have also blocked major roads while several bridges have been submerged.
The disaster comes amid widespread flooding across East Africa, where heavy rains have also claimed dozens of lives in neighbouring Kenya in recent days. Scientists say climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense storms across the region. The tragedy echoes a similar disaster in July 2024, when more than 229 people were killed by a landslide in the neighbouring Geze Gofa Zone.