Introduction
In the serene hills of southern Ethiopia’s Gofa district, a calamity of monumental proportions has unfolded, leaving a community grappling with profound grief and loss. The landslides that occurred have not only claimed lives but have also deeply affected the local population’s sense of security and stability. This is the story of Meselesh Gosaye, a mother of six, whose courageous attempt to help fellow villagers turned into a tragic ordeal.
The Catastrophic Landslides
A Community at Risk
Gofa district, known for its picturesque hilly landscape and scattered small villages, is no stranger to natural hazards. The region is characterized by mud-walled, tin-roofed houses perched precariously on lush slopes. These settlements are vulnerable to both floods and landslides, given their topographical position. The area where Meselesh Gosaye lives, Kencho Satcha Gozdi, is one such locale affected by these unpredictable natural disasters.
The Day of the Disaster
On a fateful Sunday, heavy rains had made the already slippery footpaths treacherous. Meselesh Gosaye was at home with her children when she heard the horrific sounds of the landslide. “There were sounds of people screaming, and we rushed down the hill,” she recalled, her voice laden with sorrow. As she and her family descended, they found that entire houses had been swallowed by the earth.
The Heroic Yet Heartbreaking Response
Immediate Rescue Efforts
Upon arriving at the disaster site, Meselesh and her family, alongside other villagers, immediately began digging through the mud in a desperate attempt to rescue those trapped underneath. Armed with only their hands and basic tools, they faced the grim reality of the situation. Despite their best efforts, the success of their rescue mission was limited. A few individuals were saved, but many remained trapped.
Mobilizing the Community
Recognizing the need for more organized help, local officials called for every able-bodied adult and older child to join the rescue efforts with any available farming tools. The site was inaccessible to heavy machinery, making the human effort even more critical. Meselesh’s husband and her two eldest sons—aged 15 and 12—joined the search, while Meselesh returned home briefly to tend to her toddler and other children.
The Devastating Second Landslide
A Tragic Turn of Events
The following day, the situation worsened as a second landslide occurred, burying many of those involved in the rescue operations. Meselesh rushed back to the scene, only to be halted by others who reminded her of her responsibilities to her surviving children. “They said I still had kids at home and I had to survive for them,” she recounted through tears.
The Painful Discovery
As the days passed, the news of the second tragedy spread across nearby villages. Families desperately searched for missing loved ones. Meselesh witnessed the exhumation of bodies and, in a heart-wrenching moment, saw what she initially believed to be her husband among the recovered remains. “I thought he was alive. But he had died. He was still holding on to the axe he had when he went to help,” she said, her voice breaking with grief.
The Community’s Loss and Response
The Toll of the Disaster
The landslides have claimed at least 257 lives, with the United Nations estimating that the number could rise to 500 as more search efforts continue. The scale of the disaster has overwhelmed the local resources, with many individuals struggling to cope with their own losses while trying to assist others.
The Struggle for Relief and Recovery
Serawit Yohannes, another affected individual, shared the difficulty of the situation, stating that the sheer number of missing and deceased relatives has left even those who are not directly affected struggling to assist. “Not even relatives are helping us dig, as they themselves have two or three family members they have to look for,” Yohannes explained.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Hopes for Recovery
Relocation Plans
The United Nations has indicated that approximately 15,000 people will need to be relocated from the hills to prevent future disasters. This massive undertaking will require substantial financial resources and logistical support to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
The Long Road to Healing
For Meselesh Gosaye and countless others in the community, the road to recovery will be long and arduous. The grief of losing loved ones and the trauma of witnessing such devastation will take time to heal. The search for Meselesh’s missing 15-year-old son continues, and closure will only come once he is found.
Conclusion
The landslides in southern Ethiopia have not only caused a significant loss of life but have also profoundly impacted the lives of those who survived. The resilience and bravery of individuals like Meselesh Gosaye stand as a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure and support each other in the face of unimaginable adversity. As the community begins to rebuild and recover, the hope remains that future disasters can be mitigated and that those affected can find solace and stability once more.
