Ethiopia: Soil Erosion Death Toll Rises to 500

The United Nations stated today, Thursday, that "the death toll from the landslide this week in southern Ethiopia has risen to 257." According to the UN, the death toll could rise to 500. Local authorities in Ethiopia reported two days ago that the disaster's toll had reached 229 dead, including 148 men and 81 women, according to the Communications Affairs Administration in the Gofa area, located about 450 kilometers from the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The disaster occurred due to heavy rains early last Monday, according to local authorities. Landslides are common during the rainy season in Ethiopia, which begins in July and is expected to continue until mid-September.