Mirian Gom 
ADDIS ABABA – At least 48 people have died after heavy flooding triggered by torrential rains swept through parts of southern Ethiopia, authorities say.
The South Ethiopia Regional State Police Commission confirms Wednesday that the disaster struck three districts in the Gamo Zone, where rescue teams continue searching for survivors.
“The number of bodies recovered from the natural disaster that struck three districts of Gamo Zone has reached 48,” the police commission says in a statement posted on X.
Officials report that 95 people remain missing, although it is unclear whether the figure includes those already confirmed dead.
Emergency responders say search-and-rescue operations are ongoing as authorities assess the scale of the disaster.
The flooding follows several days of intense rainfall across East Africa, which has also caused widespread destruction in neighbouring Kenya.
In Kenya, dozens of people died after torrential downpours struck the capital Nairobi and surrounding regions last week.
Scientists say extreme weather events are becoming more frequent across the region.
Multiple studies tracking rainfall patterns over the last two decades show that East Africa is experiencing increasingly severe cycles of drought and heavy rainfall.
Climate researchers warn that human-driven climate change is intensifying extreme weather conditions, including prolonged droughts and devastating floods.
Experts say the growing frequency of torrential rains is increasing the risk of landslides, flooding and infrastructure damage across vulnerable communities.
Authorities in Ethiopia say emergency response teams are working to assist affected residents while monitoring further rainfall threats.
About the Author
Hussaini Ibrahim 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 