Addis Ababa, March 16, 2026 (FMC) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed deep condolences over the recent landslides and floods in Gamo Zone of South Ethiopia Region that caused loss of life and displaced residents.
In a letter addressed to Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Putin conveyed “sincere sympathy and support to the families of victims” and extended wishes for a swift recovery to those injured by the disasters.
The landslides, which struck the Gamo Zone recently, prompted Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives to declare a three-day national mourning period starting March 14, during which the national flag is flown at half-mast across government institutions, ships, and diplomatic missions abroad.