The death toll from the recent landslides in Ethiopia's southern Gofa zone has risen to 257, with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warning that the final number could reach 500.

Heavy rains triggered the initial landslide on Monday in the mountainous Gofa zone. A second landslide struck rescuers who had gathered to help those affected by the first.

The OCHA announced the revised figures on Thursday, marking a significant increase from the 229 reported by Ethiopia's National Disaster Risk Management Commission earlier this week.

Rescue efforts continue in the Kencho Shacha locality, with hundreds searching the mud-covered area for survivors. The disaster is considered the deadliest landslide ever recorded in Ethiopia.

Adding to the urgency, OCHA stated that over 15,000 people require evacuation, including more than 1,300 children and 5,200 pregnant women and new mothers.

Efforts continue to manage the crisis and provide relief to those impacted by the disaster. (ILKHA)