Deadly landslide hits Ethiopia mountain monastery during prayer service

A deadly landslide struck the Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary Monastery in Ethiopia's northern Amhara region early Monday morning. The collapse of a hillside above the Orthodox Church monastery occurred after heavy overnight rain, sending rocks and earth onto worshippers gathered for an overnight prayer service. Fourteen people were killed in the incident, with many of the deceased having been present for a holy water cleansing ritual. Seven others were injured, five seriously. Rescue efforts for those feared trapped have been halted. Funerals have been held for some of the victims, with eleven buried at the monastery and others returned to their hometowns.

A landslide in Ethiopia's Amhara region on Monday killed 14 people and injured seven others during a holy water cleansing ritual at Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St. Mary Monastery. Heavy rainfall triggered the disaster, causing rocks to break loose and crash onto hundreds of worshippers gathered for spiritual healing. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing for an unknown number of people believed to be trapped under debris. Those seriously injured were transported to Debre Birhan for treatment. This incident highlights the increasing frequency of mudslides and flooding in Ethiopia, attributed to heavy rainfall during the June-September rainy season and linked to climate change, which exacerbates the vulnerability of communities with poor infrastructure.