The Horn of Africa nation, home to around 130 million people, is experiencing
heavy rainfall during the longer of its rainy seasons, which runs from June to
September. The landslide occurred in Sela Dingay, about 200 kilometres northeast
of the capital, Addis Ababa.
Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu, the diocesan head, said the landslide happened
early on Monday after very heavy overnight rainfall accompanied by lightning and
thunder. The mudslide carrying rocks swept down a hillside and buried part of the
Tsadkane Mariam Orthodox monastery. Fourteen worshippers who were praying
in the monastery were killed instantly by the disaster. Three people who were
severely injured were taken to Debre Birhan Hospital and are still receiving
treatment," he said, adding that the death toll was final.
On Monday, local authorities in North Shewa zone, where Sela Dingay is located,
also reported the deaths of 14 people in what they described as an "earthquake
and a sudden landslide", without providing further details. Ethiopia, where more
than three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas, is frequently affected by
climate-related disasters. In July 2024, at least 257 people were killed in a
landslide in the south of the country, while 80 others died in floods and landslides
in the same region in March.