Boat tragedy leaves 19 dead in Ethiopia

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - At least 19 people died over the weekend in Ethiopia after the boat they were traveling in capsized in River Tekeze within the Amhara region, officials confirmed, just days after a deadly landslide rocked the Horn of Africa nation.

According to Sisay Biru, chief administrator of Sehala Seyemt district, the passengers were traveling from Sehala Seyemt in the Wagihimra zone to the Zikuala district when the incident occurred around noon local time.

Sisay stated that seven individuals, including one child, were rescued from the water. The incident happened on Saturday, as a group of 26 was traveling to a funeral on a homemade wooden vessel on the Tekeze River, near Ethiopia's border with Eritrea.

The chief administrator indicated that two bodies have been recovered so far, while search efforts continue for the remaining victims. The rescued child was transferred to Sekota General Hospital with serious injuries, while the other six survivors are receiving care at Masha Health Station, Addis Standard reports.

Sisay noted that an unfinished bridge connecting Sehala to Zikuala may have contributed to the accident. The bridge has been out of service for over four years, with completion expected by the end of June.

Ethiopia has been battling with internal challenges including the deadly drought which left thousands of people dead and millions displaced. The country is also struggling with peace and stability following political differences over the last four years.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is also at loggerheads with Somalia after signing a controversial agreement with Somaliland, which would see Ethiopia getting 20 kilometers of the Red Sea for the construction of a naval base and port. In return, Ethiopia has pledged to recognize Somaliland.

GAROWE ONLINE