Addis Ababa, 28 July 2024 (ENA) A delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited the site of the recent landslides in the Southern Ethiopian region to offer condolences to the affected families and provide humanitarian assistance.
The delegation dispatched by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed visited Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele in Geze Gofa Woreda, Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia Region.
They met with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic landslide and offered their condolences.
As part of the visit, the UAE delegation delivered 85 tonnes of humanitarian aid to help those affected by the disaster.
The assistance was received by the Deputy Executive Commissioner of the region, Engineer Akuryle Adaniye, who also serves as the Agriculture and Rural Development Cluster Coordinator and Director, Water, Minerals and Energy.
The visit follows previous reports of the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to Ethiopian people affected by the landslides in the Gofa region.
The gesture underscores the strong diplomatic ties between the UAE and Ethiopia, and the UAE’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance during times of crisis.
It also highlights the importance of an international response to natural disasters and global solidarity in the face of such tragedies.
The number of residents killed in the tragic incident in Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele has so far reached 231.
Following the incident, the House of People’s Representatives also declared a three-day national mourning period starting yesterday to commemorate those who died in the landslide in Gofa district.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by First Lady Zinash Taychew, former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and other dignitaries, visited the affected areas and expressed condolences and support to the displaced persons and bereaved families.
About 500 people at risk from landslides in Gofa district have been relocated to safer areas, according to the region’s top administrative official.
The rainy season has made emergency relief efforts extremely difficult, but relocation of vulnerable people has been achieved.
Ten more people were rescued from the landslide and are undergoing treatment at Saura Hospital.
The Technical Committee is working on ways to rehabilitate over 6,000 vulnerable citizens in a sustainable manner.