Pain and Grief as People of Geze Gofa District, Ethiopia mourn their loved ones

There are no words that can be enough to describe the loss of loved ones in the devastating disaster that recently hit Geze Gofa District, located about 460 kilometres south of the Ethiopian capital city, Addis Ababa. After much heavy rain, three huge landslides wiped out hundreds of homes within the area killed more than 260 people and rendered homeless more than 15,000 people.

Pictures of people who lost their lives are displayed in a place of mourning, with their loved ones displaying grief that is so thick you feel you could touch it in the air. Families hold pictures of their loved ones, tears flowing down their cheeks as they scream out in sorrow.

Many hopes are buried under the dirt in this place. Not only have the deceased lost, but the living also experienced great despair. They lament the deaths of their loved ones who departed them far too soon. Some have lost their parents, who supported them and provided for them. Others have lost their children, the ones who provided them with hope for the future. This creates an emptiness that is difficult to replace, casting dark shadows over their goals and dreams.

"As a storyteller, I feel I have lost my strength and find myself in tears, uncontrollably weeping, and suffering with my fellow countrymen and women for a few moments. This is the first tragic occurrence I've ever witnessed in my life" reflects Hilina Hailu, Communications Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia.

As I walk through the grieving area, among the sobbing individuals and witness a young lady weeping quietly, my heart breaks , so I approach her, hold her in my arms, and attempt to comfort her. After a few quiet moments, she says, “I lost the only mother who was both a father and mother to me. I am lonely now; no one is here for me.  She lets go of small screams as tears stream down her cheeks, and all I can do is sob with her, not wanting to be anywhere else.

Martha*, 17, is in grade 12. She dreams of becoming a doctor. "I'd lost my father years ago. I relied on my mother for everything. She raised me with love and care, sent me to school, and met all my needs. But now I am in despair since I have no one left to rely on. I've lost hope in surviving, pursuing my studies, and achieving the aspirations I once held dear," she says.

Martha has no siblings. She is her parents' only child. This has exacerbated her already painful anguish. "My mother meant everything to me. She was my brother, sister, father, and even best friend. But now I am alone. I am not sure what my future holds. I do not know what to do. I am hopeless," she is sobbing again.

Aside from losing her mother, their house and all their belongings were lost and buried. "Nothing is left for me. The only thing I have is the clothes and shoes I am wearing right now. I am currently at a temporary shelter with others.” She recalls, “When this happened, I was away with relatives in a distant village. I left Mom at home that morning, not knowing that it would be the last time I saw her. Mom was trying to help others whose houses were buried by the first landslide when the second landslide came and buried her.”

Many mourners, like Martha, have suffered devastating losses. They have lost both loved ones and their homes. Some homes have been removed, but others are still dangerously positioned and prone to landslides. As a result, these people are forced to live in temporary shelters while their future remains unknown.

The needs are great here. Permanent shelters are required to provide them with safe and secure lodging. Many people have limited access to food and water, which are essential for life and well-being. Protection measures are required to keep people secure from additional violence and instability, providing a sense of security amid upheaval. Furthermore, access to healthcare services is critical for treating both the physical and emotional scars caused by this disaster.

As World Vision Ethiopia, we immediately began preparations to respond to the crisis and will provide first assistance to children and families within the next 24 hours. We are currently trying to fundraise for more support from different donors and are working very closely with all stakeholders to ensure that children like Martha can be taken care of and have a better sense of the future ahead of them. We are calling all kind-hearted donors to speed up and increase support to the people of Geze Gofa, especially for extremely vulnerable children like Martha.

*The Name has been changed to protect the identity.

By Hilina Hailu, Communications Coordinator, World Vision Ethiopia

About World Vision:

World Vision began its first intervention in Ethiopia in 1971 with relief and opened the Ethiopia office in 1975. World Vision manages one of the biggest humanitarian and development portfolios in Ethiopia, with close to 300 long-term development programmes, 54 Area Programmes (APs) and over 1,700 staff.

Key contacts:  

World Vision Ethiopia National Director: Karmen Till, phone: +251 966216625, Email: karmen_till@wvi.org   

World Vision Ethiopia Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director: Kelbessa Daba,  Phone: +251915643996, Email: kelbessa_daba@wvi.org

World Vision Ethiopia, Communications and Marketing Director: Sally Tirtadihardja, Mobile: +251 90 172 3344, Email: Sally_Tirtadihardja@wvi.org