A devastating landslide struck a mountain monastery in Ethiopia’s northern Amhara region, killing 14 people who had gathered for an overnight prayer service. The disaster occurred early Monday morning when a hillside above the Orthodox Church monastery collapsed, trapping worshippers in the debris. Rescue efforts have now been halted, with seven people found injured, five of them seriously.
The monastery, Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary, is a popular destination for Orthodox Christians seeking spiritual healing, and many of those who died had gathered to receive holy water. Eleven of the victims have been buried at the monastery, while the bodies of the others have been returned to their hometowns for burial. Identifying some of the victims remained a challenge, according to local officials.
Ethiopian Landslides
Landslides are a recurring hazard in Ethiopia during the country’s main rainy season, which typically runs from June to August. In recent years, the country has experienced several deadly landslides, including one in July 2024 that killed over 229 people. Scientists have warned that human-driven climate change is making severe weather events, such as intense downpours, more frequent and more severe.
The Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s North Shewa Diocese has been affected by the disaster, with Archbishop Abune Klementos traveling to the monastery to lead funeral prayers for the victims. The diocese’s general manager, Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu, said that many of those who died had gathered to receive the holy water, which is a popular ritual among Orthodox Christians seeking spiritual healing.
Aftermath and Implications
The landslide has raised concerns about the safety of worshippers and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. Emergency teams, security personnel, and healthcare workers have been involved in the search and rescue operations, and the local authorities have been working to provide support to the affected families. The disaster has also highlighted the need for increased awareness and preparedness for natural disasters in the region.
The Ethiopian government has been working to mitigate the effects of climate change, but more needs to be done to protect vulnerable communities from the impact of severe weather events. The landslide at the Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary Monastery is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of climate change and the need for urgent action to address this global crisis.
