The Society Hands Over 296 Houses to Landslide Victims in Gofa Zone
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, held a handover ceremony for newly built houses for landslide victims in the Gofa Zone of the Southern Ethiopian Regional government.
During the ceremony, ERCS officially handed over 296 houses to families affected by the landslide, in the presence of the President of the South Ethiopia Regional Government, Ato Tilahun Kebede, senior government officials, and representatives of partner organizations
In his remarks, President Tilahun Kebede commended ERCS for its dedication and unwavering commitment to saving lives and supporting disaster-affected communities. He also called on all citizens to become members of ERCS, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and humanitarian service.
The President recalled that ERCS had been providing vital humanitarian support to victims since the landslide occurred in Geze Gofa Kencho Woreda a year ago. He praised the organization’s humanitarian efforts as an example for others to follow.
Speaking at the event, Ato Abera Tola, President of ERCS and a Board Member of IFRC, highlighted that the Society has been on the ground from the onset of the disaster, providing necessary assistance to those affected. He emphasized that this response should serve as a model for other regions and stressed the need to strengthen the capacity of ERCS regional branches to respond promptly to disasters.
Beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying ERCS had transformed their lives from despair to hope and a brighter future. In addition to the housing project, ERCS in partnership with German Red Cross also constructed a community water system to improve access to safe water.
It is worth remembering that 249 people tragically lost their lives in the landslide that struck the area on July 23, 2024.