How Climate Change Triggered Ethiopia's Biggest Landslide in Gofa - and why we must act now.
When the Ground Betrays Us: Tragedy of the Gofa Landslide?
In times of crisis, trust is paramount. Trust in our communities, trust in our systems, and trust in the very ground beneath our feet. Unfortunately this trust was shattered, on the evening of July 21 2024, when a devastating landslide struck the mountainous areas of Gezei Gofa Woreda in Southern Ethiopia. Triggered by heavy rainfall the previous day, the landslide claimed the lives of at least? 257 individuals with local authorities fearing the toll could reach up to 500 as search and rescue operations continue (1,2, 3). The horror escalated when, on July 22, a second landslide struck, engulfing those who were desperately trying to rescue their neighbors and loved ones.
As of July 26, 2024, the National Emergency Coordination Center (NECC) has confirmed at least 183 deaths from the initial landslide, including 30 pregnant and lactating women and one child under five years old (4). The immediate area of this double disaster is home to more than 15,000 people, including 1,320 children under five and nearly 5,300 pregnant and breastfeeding women, as reported by the UN(2). Families have been torn apart, homes swallowed by tons of earth, leaving an entire community in despair. This tragedy grimly highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation and improved disaster risk management. Without decisive action against climate change, such devastating events will become more frequent and severe, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable communities who contributed least to the problem.
To understand the roots of this disaster, we need to examine both environmental factors and human activities.? Landslides in general are the result of a complex interplay of these elements.The recent landslides in Ethiopia’s Gofa zone were triggered by heavy rainfall which are? part of a troubling trend of increased precipitation linked to climate change(6). Climate change is causing more intense and unpredictable rainfall patterns, which saturate the soil and lead to landslides (5). In Gofa, the heavy rains overwhelmed the land’s capacity to absorb water, setting off the catastrophic landslides.?
The region’s steep slopes, composed of weathered and fractured volcanic rocks, are inherently unstable, and prone to heavy rainfall (11). Southern Ethiopia has seen increasingly severe seasonal rains and flooding in recent years. According to the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute’s (EMI) monthly climate bulletin, significant rainfall has been recorded, with some areas exceeding monthly totals of 100 mm. Since March 2024, Central, Southwest, South Ethiopia, and most parts of Oromia have experienced heavier rainfall. The Gilgel Gibe catchment in Gofa, a frequently landslide-prone area, has also seen rising population pressure and deforestation, further destabilizing slopes and increasing erosion, all of which are key factors contributing to landslides.
Deforestation also plays a critical role in the instability of slopes in Gofa. The removal of trees and vegetation reduces the soil’s ability to retain water and increases erosion. Vegetation is crucial for stabilizing soil and preventing landslides. In Gofa, intensified agricultural activities and population pressures have led to significant deforestation, further destabilizing the region’s steep slopes(7). When heavy rains occur, the soil becomes saturated, losing its cohesion and stability. This phenomenon is particularly apparent in the steep terrain of Gofa.
Are We Doing Enough to Protect Lives from Devastating Disasters?
The devastating landslides in Gofa Zone have shown the critical need for strong disaster risk management and preparedness. As the local communities struggle with the aftermath of this tragedy, their immediate response has been remarkable but falls short of addressing the disaster’s full scale.?
In the wake of the landslides, the response has primarily relied on the local community, who have been pivotal in search and rescue efforts. Federal and regional authorities, along with local partners, have dispatched initial relief items, but there remains an urgent need for comprehensive support. Priority needs include food, emergency shelter, non-food items (ES/NFI), health services, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH).
Here’s a snapshot of the current response efforts (4,6,8)?
Despite the efforts, search and rescue teams face significant challenges including ongoing landslide risks, inaccessible locations, and extensive destruction. The Ethiopian government has declared the affected areas disaster zones and called for international assistance. Aid convoys are delivering essential supplies to remote villages, temporary camps are housing displaced individuals, and health workers are treating the injured and preventing disease outbreaks. The Ethiopian parliament has declared a three-day national mourning period, and fundraising activities are underway to support those affected.
Addressing the Gaps
The response to this disaster has exposed significant gaps in disaster preparedness and management. The initial efforts were overwhelmed by the disaster’s scale, revealing an urgent need for improved systems and infrastructure. Here’s what we must collectively address?
Strengthening Early Warning Systems
Case Study: Otomura, Japan (2004)
In February 2004, engineers in Otomura, Japan, noticed troubling signs along a highway built on the side of a steep mountain. Cracks in the road were gradually widening, a clear indicator of ground instability. This observation prompted the closure of the highway and the implementation of a rigorous monitoring system. Using extensometers, engineers tracked the ground’s slow downward movement, while cameras provided real-time surveillance.
Despite the enormous stress from a heavy rainfall event that turned soil into a liquid state, Otomura’s proactive measures paid off. The area was evacuated months before the landslide occurred on August 10, 2004, preventing any casualties or injuries. This foresight demonstrates the power of combining advanced monitoring technology with community preparedness.
Otomura’s experience illustrates the effectiveness of early warning systems in disaster prevention. By investing in robust early warning systems that integrate meteorological data and establish clear communication protocols, we can significantly improve our disaster preparedness. Regular drills and community education are essential to ensure that everyone knows how to respond when warnings are issued.
领英推荐
While Ethiopia faces challenges with resources, there’s a huge potential for rising tech talent available in ethiopia. Universities and tech professionals in Ethiopia should consider these strategies and work to adapt similar measures for our local contexts, especially in landslide-prone areas like Gofa. Engaging students and local experts in these projects can enhance our readiness and resilience against future disasters.
Community Education and Training:?
We need to Educate and train local communities on disaster preparedness and response. Providing knowledge and resources will enable residents to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies.
Sustainable Land Management:
Promote sustainable land use practices, including reforestation and soil conservation. These measures can help stabilize slopes and reduce the risk of landslides.
We cannot forget the Koshe landfill collapse of 2017, which buried dozens under tons of waste, nor the devastating Borena drought that left thousands without food or water. These events, like the recent landslides, were not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern of disasters amplified by inadequate preparation and response.
A Call to Action
When will we learn from these tragedies and take the necessary steps to prepare for the future? The time for action is now. We must address these critical gaps to safeguard our communities and prevent further loss of life.
It is time to stop waiting for the next disaster to act. The tragedies of Koshe, Borena, and Gofa remind us of the high cost of inaction. We owe it to the victims of these calamities to build a future where such tragedies are less frequent and less severe. We have the knowledge, the will, and the resources to make a difference; what we need now is action.
Let’s take decisive steps today to protect lives and ensure a safer tomorrow. By harnessing our collective strength and committing to necessary changes, we can turn our awareness into progress and our resolve into action. The time to act is now—let’s rise to the challenge and build a future where our communities are not only protected but also prepared and resilient.
Donate
For those in Ethiopia: There is a fundraising account created by the government on Telebirr for people in Ethiopia to donate instructions below).
For those abroad: Follow this GoFundMe link https://gofund.me/9071b7dc
References?
Authors: Mary Mesfin Amir Kelifa