Landslide claims 22 lives in Ethiopia after heavy rains pound southern part

Tragedy struck in the southern part of Ethiopia when heavy rains pounded the region, leaving no fewer that 22 people dead, and many others displaced on Monday.

A local official told the BBC that the disaster in Konta district, Dawro Zone, saw waves of mud destroy five homes, killing residents and animals.

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“Thirteen of the victims are women,’’ said Fasika Mulugeta, a local officer said.

Local media are reporting that a policeman and his family are among those killed.

An operation to retrieve the bodies is under way with rescuers using an excavator to dig through the mud.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered so far, according to Mr Mulugeta.

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