In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a devastating landslide has left the community of Gofa district in southern Ethiopia reeling. Meselesh Gosaye, a mother of six, was among the first to respond to the cries for help as homes were swallowed by mud and earth in the Kencho Satcha Gozdi locality.
The rugged hilly landscape, dotted with mud-walled houses, proved treacherous in the wake of heavy rains that made narrow footpaths slippery and dangerous. Despite the risks, Meselesh and her family raced to the scene, joining a desperate effort to rescue those trapped beneath the debris.
As the hours passed, more villagers arrived, lending a helping hand in the grueling search-and-rescue mission. But hope waned as the scale of the disaster unfolded, with a second landslide claiming the lives of many who had rushed to aid their neighbors.
The community’s resilience was tested as officials mobilized assistance, urging every able-bodied individual to join the efforts with whatever tools they could muster. Meselesh’s husband and two eldest sons joined the ranks of volunteers, while she juggled caring for her children at home with offering aid at the disaster site.
Tragedy struck once again when a second landslide buried those engaged in the rescue operation, including Meselesh’s loved ones. As she grappled with overwhelming emotions, the harsh reality of loss set in, with bodies recovered and families torn apart.
As the death toll climbed and families searched for missing loved ones, the community faced a grim reality. The UN estimates the toll could rise to 500 as recovery efforts continue, underscoring the urgent need for relocation to safer ground.
In the midst of grief and hardship, Meselesh’s anguish is a poignant reminder of the enduring pain felt by many in the aftermath of the tragedy. Closure seems a distant prospect as she clings to hope that her missing son will be found, standing as a symbol of a community slowly coming to terms with its devastating loss.
