Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Ethiopian Cardinal Berhaneyesus Demerew Souraphiel of Addis Ababa has expressed deep sorrow at the deadly landslide in Gofa Zone, in the southern part of Ethiopia, where the death toll has reportedly reached 257.

Humanitarian agencies, including those that are faith-based, have scrambled to rush emergency relief to Kencho Shacha Gozdi, a remote village in the Gofa Zone, following the first landslide that struck on July 22.

Gofa Zone is part of Southern Ethiopia, about 199 miles from the capital, Addis Ababa. Days of heavy rains in this part of Ethiopia triggered the landslide. Images of people digging through the mud, carrying bodies and women wailing have spread since.

Following the first landslide that engulfed four homes, local people rushed to the scene, digging through mud to rescue their fellow villagers. But another landslide hit on July 22, swallowing many of those who were attempting to rescue victims.

“This tragic event has resulted in a significant loss of life. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their loved ones,” said Cardinal Souraphiel in a July 25 statement.

“As urgent rescue and humanitarian assistance are needed, on behalf of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, I express my profound sorrow and assure you of our unwavering support to the affected zone,” he added.

The United Nations put the death toll at 257 as of July 25 while warning that it could rise to 500. This came as hundreds of young men for a third day continued to dig through mud — with their bare hands, spades and pickaxes — hoping to find more survivors.

The number of missing persons is still unknown but reports indicate that administrators, teachers, agriculturalists and other professionals were lost in the tragedy.

Cardinal Souraphiel also noted that representatives from various church organizations had visited the disaster site and witnessed extensive damage. The Development Office of Ethiopian bishops along with priests and staff from Sodo Vicariate were among them. Additionally, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), which has a strong presence in Ethiopia responding to disasters and supporting recovery activities was involved.

“I call upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to contribute in any way they can to recovery efforts,” urged Cardinal Souraphiel.

Archbishop Abune Mathias, patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church offered his condolences as well. In a July 24 statement he emphasized faith during crises noting belief in resurrection as comfort during such times. He called for prayers and support for victims urging community solidarity.

Since then humanitarian agencies have been dispatching food nutrition health supplies among others critical for aiding affected populations. An estimated 15 thousand people at risk need evacuation according UN Office Coordination Humanitarian Affairs including children under five pregnant lactating women numbering over six thousand combined

In Ethiopia Africa’s second populous nation more than twenty-one million people or about eighteen percent live on humanitarian assistance due climate change-driven disasters like floods drought conflicts A war between national army rulers northern region Tigray left least one-and-a-half million displaced