By Muita Njambi
At least 12 people have drowned in northern Ethiopia after their boat sank in the Amhara region. The wooden vessel was transporting passengers to a funeral across Tekeze River a river that runs along Ethiopia’s border with Eritrea.
A flash flood hit the boat, causing it to capsize whereby it’s believed 26 people were on board when the accident happened.
Survivors were quickly taken to the hospital for treatment. Among them was a “severely wounded” child, according to the Amhara Media Corporation (AMC).
The boat sank on Saturday and As of Sunday, it was unclear if all the bodies of those who died had been recovered.
Work on a bridge spanning the Tekeze River was supposed to be completed last month however, the completion of the bridge had been delayed according to a local official. The delay meant people had to rely on boats for transportation across the river.
Media access to northern Ethiopia is heavily restricted by the authorities. This restriction limits information flow and transparency in the region.
The Amhara region has experienced recent clashes. These clashes were between the military and an ethnic Amhara militia known as the Fano.
Such conflicts further strain resources and complicate rescue efforts. The lack of adequate infrastructure exacerbates these challenges.
The delayed bridge could have provided a safer crossing as better infrastructure and early warning systems for natural disasters are essential.
The tragic sinking underscores the need for these improvements and also highlights the importance of accessible healthcare facilities.
The survivors’ treatment in the hospital is a critical response measure. However, the severely wounded child reflects the dire impact of such accidents.
This incident sheds light on the broader issues facing the region. Addressing these challenges is vital for the safety and well-being of the local population.
As the community grieves, the focus is on preventing similar accidents in the future.