The death toll from a landslide in eastern Uganda has reached 17, with more than 100 individuals missing. Occurring in Bulambuli district, the landslide has buried 45 homes and left survivors mourning. The government had previously warned about potential landslides during the rainy season, yet the catastrophe highlights ongoing risks associated with extreme weather and environmental degradation.
A devastating landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in a rising death toll currently reported at 17, as confirmed by government officials on Friday. The landslide, which occurred on Wednesday in the Bulambuli district, approximately 300 kilometers east of Kampala, has left over 100 individuals unaccounted for with at least 45 homes completely buried. Eyewitness accounts reveal that local television footage displays large areas saturated with mud, concealing what were once homes and schools. Families, mourning for their loved ones, witnessed rescue crews laboring through difficult conditions to find survivors.
Charles Odongtho, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed sorrow over the severity of the situation, citing that alerts regarding potential landslides were previously issued to residents in vulnerable areas before the seasonal rains began. Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, a local legislator, shared heartbreaking news regarding his niece, a new mother, who was buried in the landslide along with her infant. The Ugandan government is now urging people in landslide-prone areas to relocate to avoid future tragedies.
Additionally, the eastern region of Uganda has been experiencing exceptionally heavy rainfall since October, resulting in widespread flooding and triggering landslides across various locations. Recent rainfall has also caused the River Nile to overflow, affecting critical infrastructure like highways. Deforestation in mountain regions has exacerbated the landslide risk, and the area has a history of such tragic events, including a significant avalanche in 2010 that claimed at least 80 lives.
Landslides are a significant hazard in eastern Uganda, particularly in hilly areas where land clearing for agriculture has increased soil instability. The current situation has been worsened by unprecedented rainfall since October, leading to flooding and landslides across the region. The Ugandan government has attempted to mitigate these risks through early warning systems, but the recent landslide illustrates the challenges posed by environmental factors and human activities such as deforestation. Historical precedents highlight the dangers of mountain terrains in Uganda, making community safety measures and disaster preparedness crucial.
In summary, the tragic landslide in Bulambuli district has underscored the vulnerability of certain Ugandan communities to natural disasters, particularly under extreme weather conditions. With 17 confirmed fatalities and over 100 individuals still missing, the urgency for effective disaster response and community relocation strategies is apparent. The continual environmental challenges and past experiences signify the necessity for enhanced infrastructure and community awareness to safeguard lives in the future.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
