President William Ruto on Saturday extended his condolences to the people of Ethiopia for the loss of lives in the Gozdi Kebele landslide.
President Ruto assured Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali of Kenya’s support during this difficult time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” he said.
The devastating landslides have so far claimed the lives of more than 257 people and affected over 15,000 people.
President Ruto commended the local authorities, the Ethiopian Red Cross and the entire Government machinery for their tireless efforts in search and rescue operations.
“Their bravery and dedication are crucial in these challenging times,” he said.
Heavy rains triggered a landslide burying people in the Gofa Zone of southern Ethiopia last Sunday night.
There was also a second landslide last Monday which engulfed those engaged in rescue efforts including police officers, teachers and residents from nearby villages.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said on Thursday that the number of deaths could double.
"The death toll is expected to rise to up to 500 people as per information received from local authorities," UNOCHA said in a report.
Gofa is part of the state known as Southern Ethiopia, located around 320km (199 miles) southwest of the capital, Addis Ababa.
Southern Ethiopia is among the areas of the country that have been hit by particularly heavy rain and flooding in recent months.
Instances of landslides and floods go back further.
In May 2016, at least 50 people were killed in floods and landslides following heavy rain across the south of the country.
Many factors contribute to flooding, but a warming atmosphere caused by climate change makes extreme rainfall more likely.
