Southern Ethiopia reels from deadly floods

Severe flooding in southern Ethiopia has recently caused significant loss of life and large-scale displacement, creating a major humanitarian concern. Heavy and prolonged rainfall across several districts triggered both floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous and low-lying communities that are highly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Entire villages were affected when floodwaters and mudslides swept through residential areas, destroying homes and infrastructure.

According to the latest update, the death toll from the floods has risen significantly. On Sunday, the South Ethiopia regional government reported that at least 125 people have died as a result of the floods and landslides. The same update also indicated that more than 11,000 people have been displaced from their homes. Many affected families have been forced to move to temporary shelters or stay with relatives while authorities and humanitarian organizations attempt to provide emergency support.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the affected areas. Abiy said his “government will continue to provide the necessary support to our affected fellow citizens,” adding that “appropriate studies and work must also be carried out to resolve the problem in a sustainable manner. Preventive measures are also necessary.”

The flooding has primarily affected communities in the southern part of the country, including areas within the South Ethiopia Regional State. The region’s terrain — characterized by steep hills, valleys, and river systems — makes it especially susceptible to landslides during periods of intense rainfall. When soils become saturated, slopes can collapse suddenly, burying houses and farmland. In several villages, landslides destroyed roads and cut off transportation routes, making it difficult for emergency responders and aid agencies to access affected populations quickly.

Beyond the immediate casualties, the floods have also caused extensive humanitarian and economic damage. Many residents rely heavily on small-scale agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. Floodwaters have washed away crops, damaged farmland, and killed animals, leaving thousands of families without their primary source of income. In addition, the destruction of homes and public infrastructure — such as roads, schools, and water systems — has further complicated recovery efforts and increased the vulnerability of affected communities.

The disaster has also raised concerns about public health and safety. Displaced populations living in temporary shelters often face limited access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and medical services. These conditions increase the risk of disease outbreaks and other health complications. Humanitarian agencies and local authorities have been working to provide emergency relief, including food supplies, shelter materials, medical assistance, and clean water to communities that were hardest hit.

Environmental and climatic factors have played a major role in the severity of the flooding. In recent years, Ethiopia and the wider East African region have experienced increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including intense rainfall events linked to climate variability. Deforestation, soil degradation, and settlement in flood-prone areas have further increased the risk of disasters such as floods and landslides. These structural vulnerabilities mean that even short periods of heavy rainfall can lead to severe humanitarian impacts.