Tragic Landslide in Eastern Uganda Claims 17 Lives Amidst Heavy Rainfall
The death toll from a landslide in eastern Uganda has increased to 17, with over 100 individuals missing. It occurred in Bulambuli district due to heavy rainfall, burying numerous homes. Government officials expressed shock at the fatalities despite early warnings. The Ugandan government is urging residents in at-risk areas to relocate as rescue operations continue.
KAMPALA (Reuters) – The death toll in eastern Uganda has risen to 17 following a catastrophic landslide triggered by substantial rainfall, with over 100 individuals reported missing. This devastating landslide transpired on Wednesday in the Bulambuli district, approximately 300 kilometers east of Kampala, entombing numerous homes across various villages. Local television displayed images of ruined landscapes, enveloped in thick mud where residences and educational institutions once stood. Survivors mourned their missing relatives as rescue teams sifted through the debris in search of those who may have survived.
Charles Odongtho, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed dismay regarding the rising death toll, particularly in light of the preemptive measures established to alert residents in danger zones at the onset of the seasonal rains. According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, around 45 households were completely buried, with several others sustaining partial damage. Lawmaker Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi remarked on the tragedy, revealing that his niece and her newborn baby were among the deceased, stating, “She was buried with the baby.”
In response to the disaster, the Ugandan government is urging all residents in landslide-prone regions to evacuate. Coordinated search-and-rescue operations are currently underway, facilitated by the Red Cross and local law enforcement. Eastern Uganda has been experiencing unusually heavy rainfall since October, resulting in widespread flooding and landslides. Furthermore, severe flooding occurred recently when torrential rains caused the River Nile to overflow, impacting a key highway connecting Kampala to the northwest, as reported by the Uganda National Roads Authority and local police.
The mountainous terrain of the landslide area has been increasingly vulnerable, exacerbated by deforestation for agriculture, elevating the risk of such disasters. This region has a history of similar calamities; for instance, an avalanche in 2010 led to the tragic loss of at least 80 lives.
The recent landslide disaster in Uganda highlights the significant consequences of environmental challenges exacerbated by human activities. The recurrence of landslides in mountainous regions is often linked to heavy rainfall coupled with the deforestation of slopes to accommodate agriculture. As Uganda faces heightened climate variability, the government has attempted to implement early warning systems and effective disaster responses. However, the substantial loss of life and property from recent events underscores the need for improved risk management strategies and community resilience.
In summary, the tragic landslide in Uganda has claimed at least 17 lives with many more individuals still unaccounted for. This disaster, attributed to heavy rainfall and exacerbated by environmental degradation, emphasizes the vulnerability of mountain communities to natural hazards. The Ugandan government’s call for relocation and ongoing rescue operations highlight the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and community support.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
