President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his condolences and sorrow following recent landslides in Ethiopia which claimed the lives of over 200 people.

‘President Cyril Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences following the recent landslides in Gofa, South Western Ethiopia, which tragically took the lives of at least 250 of people at this stage,’ said the Presidency on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa said the South African people’s thoughts are with the people of Ethiopia, particularly the bereaved families, during this period of mourning.

‘Our hearts goes out to the government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at this difficult time.’

According to news reports, the landslides were brought about by heavy rains on Monday.

President Ramaphosa recalled the strong and historic relations between South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back to the struggle against apartheid.

Source: South African Government News Agency