In a remote village in Ethiopia’s highlands, a 12-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero after rescuing dozens of his neighbours from a devastating landslide. British charities on the ground have praised his compassion, describing his actions as ‘extraordinary bravery beyond his years’. The boy, identified only as Bekele, was playing near the hillside when he heard a deep rumble and saw the earth shift.
Without hesitation, he ran door-to-door alerting families, dragging the elderly and young children to higher ground just moments before a torrent of mud engulfed the homes below. ‘He is a small boy but his heart was bigger than the mountain,’ said a local teacher. Humanitarian organisations such as Save the Children and Oxfam have commended his selflessness, noting that his quick thinking saved at least 30 lives.
‘In the midst of climate-induced disasters, we see the best of humanity,’ said a spokesperson for the British charity coalition. The story has spread across social media, with calls for Bekele to be formally recognised. Yet the boy remains humble.
‘I just did what anyone would do,’ he told reporters. ‘I love my village.’ The landslide, triggered by heavy rains linked to climate change, has left hundreds homeless and relief efforts are underway.
Bekele’s act of valour serves as a reminder of the power of individual agency in an age of global crisis.
