Life After the Landslide in Geze Gofa, Ethiopia
Published: Oct 23, 2024 Reading time: 3 minutes
Two hundred fifty people lost their lives, and over 15,000 were displaced by a devastating landslide following heavy rainfall in the mountainous highlands of Geze Gofa, South Ethiopia, in July 2024. We immediately provided aid here as entire communities found themselves homeless.
Among those severely impacted by the landslide was Tigist Beneche, a mother of seven whose life revolved around farming. “We lost everything,” Tigist shares, recalling how the natural disaster swept away her family’s livelihood and sense of security.
Tigist is among the thousands affected, so delivering vital aid to a community struggling to rebuild was crucial.
In the face of such adversity, rebuilding has begun through the collaborative efforts of local and international partners. We have spearheaded Emergency Shelter and Non-food Item (ESNFI) distributions for 700 households across the hardest-hit kebeles: Ayikina Zagimare, Ayikina Kaske, Alan Shara, and Anko Golma. Thanks to the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs Humanitarian Assistance funding, we could deliver the most needed items.
For Tigist, the support came when her family needed it most.
Tigist, like many others, received shelter materials that gave her and her children a temporary place to live. Though life has not returned to normal, the coordinated response has eased some of the burdens on the displaced families.
Yet, the road to recovery is long, and the fear of another disaster remains.
Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Geze Gofa community is evident. With continued support from our partners, families are slowly finding their footing, rebuilding their lives, and hoping for a more stable future.
“We need new homes,” Tigist says firmly, “That’s what we need most right now.”
The tragedy, which affected 23 kebeles, struck a community already grappling with significant challenges. With frequent floods, cholera outbreaks, and malaria, the people of Geze Gofa were no strangers to hardship. However, the sheer scale of the landslide—destroying lives, homes and infrastructure —left them needing immediate assistance.
This natural disaster is a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience, preparedness, and sustained support for challenged regions. Climate change is affecting the entire planet; the weather is changing, and we can expect more extreme weather in future.
As people recover, their story is one of strength, hope, and the power of collaboration in times of crisis.
As aid efforts continue, the people of Geze Gofa are determined to overcome this tragedy. The disaster may have shaken their land, but their spirit remains strong, and with continued support, they will rebuild their future.
