A series of landslides struck several areas of the Gamo Zone last week after intense rainfall destabilized hillsides, local authorities said. As of Thursday, officials had confirmed 70 fatalities, but the regional government updated the toll to 125 in a statement released on its communications office’s Facebook account.

More than 11,000 people have been displaced by the disaster, the statement said, as rescue and relief efforts continue in affected communities.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the disaster zone on Saturday to offer condolences to residents and pledged government support for recovery and assistance efforts, according to a message posted on his X account.

The U.N. health agency said it had received multiple reports this week of oil-contaminated rainfall after attacks on energy infrastructure triggered large fires and heavy smoke over the capital, Tehran.

Thick black smoke engulfed parts of Tehran on Monday after an oil refinery was hit in an escalation of strikes targeting Iran’s domestic energy supplies amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli campaign.

“Black rain and the acidic rain coming with it is indeed a danger for the population, respiratory mainly,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters during a briefing in Geneva.

He said Iranian authorities had advised residents to remain indoors due to deteriorating air quality conditions.

Asked whether the WHO supported the recommendation, Lindmeier said the guidance was appropriate given the environmental risks linked to damaged oil infrastructure.

“Given what is at risk right now, the oil storage facilities, the refineries that have been struck, triggering fires and bringing serious air quality concerns, that is definitely a good idea,” he said.

The WHO maintains an office in Iran and works with local authorities to coordinate responses to health emergencies.

A video shared with Reuters by a WHO staff member showed a cleaner mopping up a black liquid at the entrance of the organization’s office in Tehran on March 8, which the staff member said was residue from the reported oil-laden rainfall.

The agency said it continues to monitor the situation and maintain contact with Iranian health authorities as reports of environmental fallout from the refinery strike emerge.