Deadly landslide hits Ethiopia mountain monastery during prayer service

What the report says

Funerals have begun in Ethiopia after a landslide struck a mountain monastery in the northern Amhara region during an overnight prayer service, killing 14 people and injuring seven others, according to local authorities and church officials cited by BBC Africa. Rescue work at the Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary Monastery has now been stopped, and officials say some of the dead were still being identified.

The collapse happened in the early hours of Monday after heavy rain soaked a hillside above the monastery, which has a prayer chamber carved into the mountain. Worshippers had gathered for a special Orthodox service that included a holy water ritual used by some believers seeking spiritual healing. Local officials said emergency teams, security personnel, health workers and nearby residents helped with the search effort.

BBC Africa reported that 11 of the victims were buried at the monastery, while others were returned to their hometowns for burial. The head of the North Shewa Diocese travelled to the site to lead funeral prayers and support grieving families. Seven injured people were reported, including five in serious condition.

The disaster underscores the danger of landslides during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which runs roughly from June to August. In general, the BBC has previously reported that heavy rainfall and unstable slopes can make such incidents more likely in parts of the country and across East Africa.