Rubbish landslide in Ethiopia

2 May

Our project staff have been working tirelessly to provide food, household items, school materials and housing rent to families in need. They have also joined with professional counsellors to give specialised support to children and families recovering from trauma. 

Please join us in praying for all those affected by the tragedy: 

• Lift up our partner church, Ziway Amanuel Baptist Church, as they reach out to a community in mourning.
• Pray for the families who are grieving loved ones.
• Give thanks that children in the community have now been able to return to school and Compassion project activities.
• Pray for long-term provision for those who have lost homes and livelihoods.

22 March 

On Saturday, March 11 at approximately 8:00 pm, there was a huge landslide at the rubbish dump in the western part of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The cause of the landslide is not yet known.

Many families live on the rubbish dump in homes made from plastics, sticks and mud. In the aftermath of the devastating incident, the local community and government bodies are working together to support displaced and affected families. Many people have been relocated to temporary shelters.

The rubbish dump is close to two Compassion projects. Current reports show that 20 Compassion-assisted children have been impacted. Tragically three children, four caregivers and seven siblings have lost their lives. All 20 families have lost their homes.

The Compassion Ethiopia Country Director and Programme Director have visited the community to provide support and encourage our two affected church partners. Staff from both projects are providing immediate relief and trauma counselling for the children and their families. 

Please pray for every family that has been impacted by this disaster. Ask God to comfort those who are mourning and provide for those who have lost homes. 

We will update this newsfeed as soon as more information becomes available.