Zurich/Raphe, September 10, 2025 - Nine people lost their lives in a landslide in the Raphe district of southern Ethiopia. Hundreds of families were left homeless and destitute. The Swiss relief organization Menschen für Menschen is bringing emergency aid to the disaster area.
Transporting aid to the remote district is a logistical challenge. In Raphe, there are only dirt roads that have been softened by the heavy rains. A total of 33 tons of maize flour and wollen blankets were transported to the victims by trucks organized by Menschen für Menschen.
People in five communities have been displaced from their small farms on the slopes by masses of water and landslides. A total of 476 families with around 2200 members lost their homes. They are currently taking refuge in school buildings and temporary shelters.
Getachew Zewdu, Country Representative of the Swiss relief organization in Ethiopia, accompanied the emergency aid on site. "Even under normal circumstances, most families in Raphe don't have enough food," said Getachew Zewdu. "Food shortages are commonplace and pose a threat to health and life, especially for the youngest children."
The only aid organization on the ground
Menschen für Menschen has been permanently on the ground in Raphe since the beginning of 2025, together with its Ethiopian partner organization EWNRA, to implement a long-term and sustainable development project. "But due to the sudden disaster, we had to provide emergency aid, especially as we are the first and only international aid organization in this remote district," said Getachew Zewdu.
Around 98,000 people live in the district. The project aims to strengthen the region's resilience to climate change, which is also reflected in erratic and heavier rainfall throughout the country and contributes to landslides. Local advisors visit the farming families on motorcycles and on foot. They teach sustainable farming methods, educate them about reproductive health and support women in particular in setting up savings and credit groups. The aim is to create a foundation that will enable people to better withstand crises.
Avoiding rural exodus
Ethiopia is around 27 times the size of Switzerland. While the metropolitan areas are making progress, the periphery is often neglected. "Our task is not to forget the people in remote areas," emphasizes Getachew Zewdu. "Only if they also see a future for their children can we prevent rural exodus and advance the country as a whole." In addition to providing emergency aid, Menschen für Menschen will improve the livelihoods of around 3,600 smallholder and day laborer families in Raphe over the next three years.
About the Menschen für Menschen Foundation
Menschen für Menschen is committed to fighting poverty and hunger. The foundation was established by the actor Karlheinz Böhm (1928 - 2014). In the spirit of its founder, the Swiss aid organization creates prospects for the poorest families in Ethiopia. The aim of the work is to enable them to live in dignity in their home country. The individual projects focus on promoting women, vocational training, microcredits, child aid, family planning and agricultural development. The components are combined according to local needs and implemented with carefully selected local partners.
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