PRESS RELEASE

Advocacy for Oromia Expresses Deep Grief Over Fatal Landslide in Gamo Zone

March 13, 2026 – For Immediate Release

The Advocacy for Oromia has expressed its profound sorrow following a devastating landslide in the Gamo Zone of the South Ethiopia Region.

The disaster occurred on the evening of March 10, 2026, in the Laka Kebele of the Gacho Baba district, triggered by heavy rainfall that caused the hillside to collapse onto the community below.

According to reliable sources confirmed by local authorities and humanitarian partners on the ground, the lives of 52 individuals have been confirmed lost in this tragic event. Search and rescue operations continue, with fears that the death toll may rise as teams work to locate missing persons.

Advocacy for Oromia extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, their relatives, and the people of the Gamo Zone and the entire South Ethiopia Region. We share in your grief during this devastating time of loss.

Government Response Underway

In the wake of the disaster, high-ranking federal and regional officials have arrived at the scene. They are closely overseeing relief and support efforts and are working to console the affected communities. Emergency response teams have been deployed to provide immediate assistance, including medical aid, shelter, and food supplies to survivors who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Urgent Call for Precautionary Measures

Given the ongoing rainy season, which heightens the risk of similar incidents across the region’s mountainous terrain, Advocacy for Oromia has urged citizens—particularly those living in mountainous and landslide-prone areas—to heed all precautionary messages and directives with the utmost seriousness.

We call upon relevant authorities to:

• Strengthen early warning systems in high-risk areas
• Conduct public awareness campaigns about landslide safety
• Consider temporary relocation of communities in the most vulnerable areas during the rainy season
• Ensure adequate emergency response resources are prepositioned in disaster-prone zones

A Time for Solidarity

This tragedy reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of standing together in times of crisis. Advocacy for Oromia stands in solidarity with all Ethiopians mourning this loss, regardless of region or background. When disaster strikes, our common humanity must transcend all boundaries.

Conclusion

Advocacy for Oromia’s statement concluded by wishing the deceased eternal peace and offering strength to the bereaved families. May the souls of those who perished rest in peace, and may their families find the strength and support needed to endure this unimaginable loss.

We urge all who are able to support relief efforts through recognized humanitarian organizations working in the affected area.

#GamoLandslide #SouthEthiopia #HumanitarianAid #AdvocacyForOromia #StandWithGamo #Ethiopia #LandslideRelief

Issued by: Advocacy for Oromia
Date: March 13, 2026