@WHO/Alemtsehay Zergaw
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
@WHO/Habtamu Alemayehu
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/Yohannes Abera
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.
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/Alemtsehay Zergaw
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.
@WHO/Bereket Yalew
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.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Alemtsehay Zergaw Gebremichael
Communications Officer
WHO Ethiopia
Email: gebremichaela [at] who.int (gebremichaela[at]who[dot]int)