Ethiopian Bishops express solidarity after deadly flooding in Gamo zone

By Bezawit Bogale – Addis Ababa

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Ethiopia (CBCE) has expressed profound sorrow following the devastating landslides and floods that struck the Gamo Zone in southern Ethiopia on 11 March, claiming numerous lives and displacing many families.

In a statement released this week, the Bishops affirmed their “deep sadness” at the scale of the disaster, noting both the loss of life and the suffering of countless families who have been forced from their homes.

The Bishops urged all people of good will to unite in offering immediate humanitarian assistance to those affected.

Church responds with pastoral and humanitarian support

According to a statement issued by the South Ethiopia Regional State Office of the President, more than 80 people have been confirmed dead, and hundreds have been displaced, leaving communities in severe distress. On 15 March, the South Ethiopia regional government said the death toll stood at 125 killed.

The Ethiopian Catholic Church has mobilized rapid support through the Apostolic Vicariate of Soddo.

Senior leaders from the Catholic Bishops’ Conference have visited the affected areas to express solidarity, assess urgent needs, and accompany the local Church in its response efforts.

The statement underscores that, given the severity of the situation, broader international collaboration is essential. The Bishops appealed to the faithful and all Ethiopians to stand together in assisting survivors.

Call to prayer during national mourning

Quoting Saint Paul, “Mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15), the Bishops invited Catholics across the country to unite spiritually with those who are suffering.

During the three days of national mourning declared by the FDRE House of Peoples’ Representatives, the Church encourages the faithful to offer Holy Mass, pray for the deceased, and extend compassionate support to affected communities.

The Bishops conveyed heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families, to relatives of the victims, and to the Ethiopian people at large.

They prayed that God, in His mercy, may welcome the souls of the departed and grant healing, strength, and consolation to survivors.

The message concluded with a prayer for national protection: “May Our Lord Jesus Christ protect our Nation.”