A heavy-rain triggered landslide struck Tsadkane Debre Mitmaq St. Mary Monastery in Amhara on Aug. 3, killing at least 14 worshippers and injuring seven. Many victims were taking part in a holy water ritual during an early-morning prayer service. Rescue teams and local residents continue searching the site amid concerns that more people may be trapped. Several seriously injured victims were moved to Debre Birhan for treatment, and the incident occurred during Ethiopia's Kiremt rainy season.
At Least 14 Dead, Seven Injured After Landslide Strikes Ethiopian Monastery During Prayer Service
Amhara Region Ethiopia, AfricaCredit: Getty
At least 14 people were killed and seven others injured when a landslide struck Tsadkane Debre Mitmaq St. Mary Monastery in Ethiopia's Amhara Region on Monday, Aug. 3. Heavy rain early that morning loosened a mass of rock that cascaded down the slope and struck worshippers gathered for a special Orthodox prayer and holy water ritual.
Local diocese general manager Megabe Hadis Neka Tibeb Ababu said many victims were assembled to receive the holy water at the time of the incident. Eleven of the deceased were buried at the monastery while three bodies were returned to the victims' hometowns; the funeral was led by Archbishop Abune Klementos, head of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church's North Shewa Diocese.
Senior local official Dagnachew Azbite told the BBC that seven people were found injured, five of them seriously. Those with severe injuries were transferred about 43 miles to Debre Birhan, the administrative capital of North Shewa, for further treatment.
Search-and-rescue operations involved nearby residents, emergency responders, healthcare workers, security personnel and experts from the local disaster prevention office. Authorities warned that identification of some victims remained difficult and that additional people could still be trapped under the debris.
This disaster occurred during Ethiopia's main rainy season, known as Kiremt, which typically runs from June through September. The country has experienced several deadly rain-related disasters in recent months: heavy rains in March caused landslides and floods in the southern Gamo Zone that killed more than 100 people, and intense rains in July 2024 triggered a mudslide in southern Ethiopia that killed at least 257 people (Associated Press).
Officials continue to investigate the site and coordinate relief and recovery efforts. Local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution during the remainder of the rainy season and to follow guidance from disaster response teams.
Sources: Associated Press, BBC.
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