DUBAI: The UAE has dispatched a plane carrying vital aid to southern Ethiopia in the wake of landslides that killed at least 257 people.

“The UAE relief endeavors aim to provide urgent assistance to those impacted by the natural disaster,” state-run WAM news agency said Saturday. 

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, highlighted that these contributions underline the country's commitment to support impacted communities across the globe.

The landslides caused by heavy rainfall resulted in loss of life and severe damage to property. 

The United Nations said the death toll from the landslides has risen to 257 and has warned that the number of victims is expected to soar to 500.  

The landslide that struck Ethiopia is the deadliest on record in the country, reports said.