Flash floods kill 5 in Ethiopian capital

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) – Flash floods killed five people in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa in the last two days, emergency officials said Thursday.

Four people were swept away as they tried to cross a river in the southern suburbs of the city, Nigatu Mamu, spokesman for the city’s fire and emergency division said.

Another woman was swept away after she slipped off a bridge and fell into a river near the Bole Jakros area, he added.

Seven others narrowly escaped death, officials said.

Two bodies have been recovered, while a father and son are missing.

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the city since last May, claiming lives and destroying property.