Deadly landslide hits Ethiopia mountain monastery during prayer service

A devastating landslide struck a mountain monastery in Ethiopia’s Amhara region on Sunday, killing 14 people and injuring seven. The tragedy has raised questions about the risks of holding prayer services in precarious locations.

The Tsadqane Debre Mitmaq St Mary Monastery, where the landslide occurred, is one of many monasteries carved into hills or mountains that have become popular destinations for pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and healing. These sites are inherently unstable, particularly during Ethiopia’s rainy season, which typically runs from June to August.

The incident highlights the tension between faith and reason in Ethiopia’s monasteries. On one hand, these sites are revered for their spiritual significance and believed by many Ethiopians to hold mystical powers. On the other hand, the frequency of landslides in the region raises questions about the wisdom of holding large gatherings at such locations.

The landslide was not an isolated incident. In July 2024, a landslide in the neighboring Geze Gofa Zone killed more than 229 people, including rescuers. This disaster has been linked to climate change, which is making severe weather events more frequent and intense across East Africa.

Tourism in Ethiopia has grown significantly in recent years, driven in part by the popularity of its monasteries. However, if these sites continue to pose a threat to visitors’ safety, it may have serious consequences for the country’s tourism industry.

Numerous studies have documented a rise in extreme wet spells and prolonged dry periods across East Africa – exactly the kind of weather conditions that can lead to landslides. While many Ethiopians believe their monasteries are immune to natural disasters, the facts suggest otherwise.

As Ethiopia grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, it’s worth considering whether these monasteries are still safe for large gatherings. Faith is an essential part of Ethiopian culture, but reason should also play a role in decision-making. By acknowledging the risks and taking steps to mitigate them, Ethiopians can ensure that their spiritual practices do not come at the cost of human lives.

The incident also underscores the need for more effective disaster preparedness measures in Ethiopia. The country’s emergency teams, security personnel, and healthcare workers responded quickly to the landslide, but more needs to be done to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place.

As the Ethiopian Orthodox Church’s North Shewa Diocese mourns its losses, it’s worth asking whether these monasteries can ever truly be considered safe. While faith may provide comfort in times of crisis, it should not come at the expense of human safety and well-being.