WHO's Swift Action in Ethiopia's Landslide Aftermath at South Ethiopia Region

In the aftermath of a catastrophic landslide in Geza Gofa Woreda, South Ethiopia region, Ethiopia, the district was left in devastation. The intense rains of July 21 and 22, 2024, transformed the mountainous landscape into a scene of profound sorrow, resulting in the loss of at list 249 lives and displacing over 6,600 people. Over 15,000 people have been affected by the landslide. Among the victims were local heroes—officials, health workers, and agricultural personnel—who had been on the ground offering ai

In these moments of profound loss and chaos, the World Health Organization (WHO) swiftly stepped into action. As news of the disaster spread, WHO teams mobilized without delay. By July 24, they were on the ground, with their presence being guiding light and source of hope to the affected communities and local responders. Upon arrival at Incident site, WHO team of 7 experts comprising of emergency managers, health cluster coordinator, public health officers, and mental health experts, were met with a multitude of urgent needs such as need for essential health services for affected communities, need for mental health and psychosocial support due to grief, risk of disease outbreaks due to overcrowding in the relocation sites and lack of adequate Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

WHO swiftly supported Gofa Health Bureau of Health to establish Health Incident Management System and establishment and strengthening temporary health facilities to maintain uninterrupted medical care at incident site and temporary relocation sites.
To combat the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera WHO provided essential supplies and 2 rental vehicles worth over $50,000 from its contingency fund. These supplies included Interagency Emergency Health Kits, Cholera Treatment Kits, Trauma and Emergency Surgical Kits, Pneumonia Kits, Anti-Scabies Ointment, Medical Devices and Equipment, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs). Beyond addressing immediate physical health needs, WHO with health partners on the ground such as Marie Stopes International, launched Mental Health and Psychosocial Support activities and began training local leaders to provide emotional and mental health support to their communities.

WHO's commitment didn't stop at logistical support. They engaged deeply with the affected communities, assessing needs on the ground, and coordinating with partners by establishing health cluster coordination platform to ensure that resources were effectively allocated.

WHO response was not just about providing supplies but about restoring dignity and hope to a community in mourning. A moving moment came when WHO Representative Dr. Owen Kaluwa visited the area, shared a message of solidarity. The Representative's visit was a reminder that, in the face of such overwhelming adversity, the international community stands united, ready to support and rebuild.

The government leaders and partners, recognizing the scale of the tragedy and the ongoing needs, called for continued support and coordination. Their message was clear: to overcome this disaster, there must be a united effort, combining resources and expertise to heal and rebuild.

In the wake of this tragedy, the combined response of communities, the government, WHO, and its partners is a testament to the resilience and effective coordination of various stakeholders coming together to support those in need.

WHO would like to thank all responders for their dedication during this tough period and standing together with the people of South Ethiopia and calls upon all stakeholders and donors to support the ongoing response activities in Sawla town.