ETHIOPIA: Catholic Church Offers Aid and Prayers After Deadly Landslide in Southern Ethiopia
By: Bezawit Assefa
The Ethiopian Catholic Church has extended its support and prayers to the community in Gozoba Zone, Southern Ethiopia, following a devastating landslide that claimed numerous lives on July 21, 2024.
His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, on behalf of the Ethiopian Catholic Church, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy that struck Kencho Shacha Gozdi Kebele in Geze Gofa Woreda. His Eminence conveyed the Church’s solidarity with the affected community and offered condolences to the bereaved families.
In a show of global solidarity, Pope Francis also expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims of the landslide during his Sunday Angelus address. His Holiness assured the people of Ethiopia of his spiritual closeness during this difficult time.
To provide immediate relief and support, the Catholic Church dispatched a delegation to the disaster-stricken area on August 1, 2024. Led by His Excellency Abune Seyoum Bishop of Vicariate of Hosanna and Administrator of Vicariate of Soddo, the delegation distributed essential supplies such as food, water, and sanitation materials to those affected.
Recognizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the Ethiopian Catholic Church, in response to a request from the zonal administration, provided a first round of aid including food, water, and sanitation supplies.
The zonal administration, represented by Ato Dagmawi Ayele, expressed gratitude for the Church’s timely intervention and support.
His Eminence Abune Seyoum, on behalf of the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, conveyed a message to the community. He stated that the Catholic Church, from His Holiness Pope Francis to His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus, and all Catholics, were deeply saddened by the disaster. He assured the victims of the Church’s spiritual support. Abune Seyoum especially remembered those who lost their lives and rescue teams in the disaster and prayed for their eternal rest.
His Eminence Cardinal Berhaneyesus emphasized the critical importance of swift rescue operations, ongoing humanitarian assistance, and sustained support for the community’s recovery.
