President William Ruto has sent a message of comfort and sympathy to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali following the Gozdi Kebele landslide tragedy.
In the message, Ruto assured the Prime Minister of Kenya’s support during this difficult time.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I extend heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia for the loss of lives in the landslide in Gozdi Kebele. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” he said.
Ruto commended the bravery and dedication of the local authorities, the Ethiopian Red Cross and the entire government machinery for their tireless efforts in search and rescue operations.
“Their bravery and dedication are crucial in these challenging times,” Ruto applauded.
On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I extend heartfelt condolences to our brothers and sisters in Ethiopia for the loss of lives in the landslide in Gozdi Kebele. Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2024
We pray for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed…
Landslide
According to the Ethiopian authorities, the devastating landslides have so far claimed the lives of more than 257 people and affected over 15,000 people.
The Monday, July 23, 2024, landslide was triggered by the July 22 heavy rains in a remote region of the Gofa zone Geze Gofa woreda Kencho Shacha Gozdi kebele and was followed by a second one that buried people who had gathered to help, state officials said on Tuesday, July 24, 2024.
Taking to his official X account, the Prime Minister said he was deeply saddened by the terrible loss of life, and that federal officials had been deployed to reduce the impact of the disaster.
“In Gofa Zone, Geze Gofa Woreda, Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele, a sudden landslide has claimed the lives of many citizens. I am deeply saddened by this terrible loss. Following the accident, the Federal Disaster Prevention Task Force has been deployed to the area and is working to reduce the impact of the disaster,” he wrote.
The flooding and landslides occurred even as other parts of the country are facing severe drought, which has prompted traditional herding communities to explore alternative food production methods.
3-day mourning
Following the tragic loss, the Ethiopian parliament has declared a three-day national mourning period starting Saturday, July 27, 2024, in response to a devastating landslide.
During the mourning period, the Ethiopian national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country, on Ethiopian ships, and at embassies and consulates worldwide, according to an official statement.
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