In a tragic turn of events, the death toll from two landslides in southern Ethiopia has risen sharply to 157, according to officials on Tuesday. There are concerns that this figure could further increase as search and rescue operations continue in the challenging terrain.

The first landslide occurred in the Gofa zone in Southern Ethiopia regional state, burying people under debris. Tragically, a second landslide engulfed those who had gathered to provide assistance on Monday morning, compounding the devastation. Markos Melese, the head of the National Disaster Response agency in Gofa Zone, informed Reuters that recovery efforts are still ongoing, and there are bodies yet to be discovered.

"Searching is still going on, and there are bodies that are yet to be recovered. The area is very challenging," Melese stated.

Dagmawi Ayele, a local administrator, disclosed that among the victims of the mudslides in the Kencho Shacha Gozdi district were young children and pregnant women. This heartbreaking news underscores the tragic toll that natural disasters can have on vulnerable communities.

Landslides are unfortunately common during Ethiopia's rainy season, which began in July and is expected to last until mid-September. The heavy rainfall and unstable landscape pose significant risks, making it crucial for authorities to prioritize preventative measures and emergency response strategies.

Efforts to recover the bodies and provide support to the affected communities are ongoing, with government agencies and local authorities working together to mitigate the impact of this natural disaster. Though the exact cause of the landslides has not been stated, it is a grim reminder of the need for comprehensive planning and disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions.

As the search for more bodies continues, it is a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that natural disasters can have on communities, particularly in areas where resources and infrastructure may be limited. The government, along with international humanitarian organizations, must ensure that relief efforts are swift and comprehensive to aid those affected by this tragic event.

The rising death toll serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to strengthen infrastructure and implement effective disaster management systems to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future.