Kenya condoles with Ethiopia after deadly landslide, offers support

A man reacts as residents and volunteers dig in the mud in search of bodies at the scene of a landslide in Kencho Shacha Gozdi on July 25, 2024. The death toll from landslides in a remote region of southern Ethiopia has risen to 257, the United Nations says, warning that the number of victims could soar to up to 500. [AFP]

President William Ruto has condoled with Ethiopia following the deaths of more than 250 people in a landslide tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families," the Kenyan president posted on X.

Ruto also lauded the Ethiopian government for their response in conducting a search and rescue operation, in the tragedy that has claimed at least 257 people, and affected tens of thousands.

He assured Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Kenya's support.

PM Ahmed also visited the Gofa zone on Saturday to commiserate with the victims of the deadly landslide.

On Friday, Ethiopia declared three days of mourning to honour the victims of the disaster, which struck on Monday this week.

AFP reported that rescuers are continuing the grim search for bodies in the tiny Kencho Shacha Gozdi locality. In contrast, distraught survivors bury their loved ones, in the deadliest landslide on record in the Horn of Africa nation.

Humanitarian agencies have warned that the death toll could reach 500.