The death toll from landslides in a remote area of southern Ethiopia has reached 257, according to the United Nations, which has warned that the number of victims could rise to as high as 500. Rescuers are continuing their grim search for bodies and survivors in the affected region of Kencho Shacha Gozdi, where distraught locals are digging through the mud, often using only their bare hands and shovels.

Axar.az reports that as of July 24, the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA reported, “The death toll has risen to 257,” citing local authorities. They anticipate that the final count could reach up to 500 people. OCHA also noted that over 15,000 individuals need to be evacuated due to the high risk of additional landslides, including at least 1,320 children under five and 5,293 pregnant women or new mothers.

Aid has started to arrive in this isolated and hard-to-reach area, with four trucks delivering essential supplies from the Ethiopian Red Cross Society. This landslide is the deadliest recorded in Ethiopia, which is Africa’s second most populous country and frequently faces climate-related disasters.

Most victims were reportedly buried after rushing to assist following the initial landslide, which occurred after heavy rains on Sunday in an area approximately 480 kilometers (270 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa—a journey of about 10 hours. Disturbing images shared on social media by local authorities depicted dozens of men gathered around a pit where human limbs were visible in the mud. Other villagers were seen carrying bodies on makeshift stretchers, while nearby, women mourned beside a row of bodies wrapped in shrouds, preparing for burial.

OCHA reported that 12 injured individuals have been taken to a local hospital, and at least 125 people are displaced, seeking shelter with other residents. The number of missing persons remains unknown.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his condolences regarding the disaster, with his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stating he was “deeply saddened.” Dujarric added, “The United Nations and its partners are working closely with the Government to evaluate the humanitarian situation, assess the extent of the damage, and determine the needs of the affected population.” UN agencies are dispatching food, nutrition, health, and other critical supplies to assist those impacted by the landslides.

Senait Solomon, head of communications for the South Ethiopia regional government, informed AFP that the landslide site was sloped and “prone to disasters,” noting that conservation efforts, including tree planting, were underway at the time of the landslides.

In Ethiopia, over 21 million people, or about 18 percent of the population, rely on humanitarian assistance due to various challenges, including food insecurity, conflict, and climate-related issues. The recent landslides have exacerbated the situation, making it even more critical for aid organizations to provide immediate support to affected communities.

Local authorities and humanitarian agencies are working together to assess the damage and ensure that those displaced or affected receive the necessary aid. Efforts are also being made to implement long-term solutions to prevent future disasters, such as improving land management practices and enhancing community resilience to environmental changes.

As the situation develops, it remains essential for the international community to monitor the needs of the affected populations and provide support where possible, ensuring that the most vulnerable receive the assistance they require to rebuild their lives.