At least 15 fatalities and over 100 missing after landslides in eastern Uganda; rescue efforts ongoing with 13 bodies recovered amid challenging conditions.
In eastern Uganda, at least 15 individuals have lost their lives and more than 100 are reported missing following devastating landslides that buried homes in six villages. As reported by police, 15 survivors have been rescued and are currently receiving medical care at the Buluganya Health Center. The Uganda Red Cross Society has confirmed that recovery efforts are underway amidst challenging conditions, with 13 bodies already recovered after landslides engulfed 40 homes. There are fears that the death toll may potentially escalate to 30.
The landslides were triggered by severe rainfall on Wednesday night in the Bulambuli district, an area known for its susceptibility to such disasters. This district is situated approximately 280 kilometers east of the capital city, Kampala. Local journalists have conveyed that the authorities plan to deploy an excavator to aid the rescue operations; however, ongoing rain and mud-covered roads are significantly hindering these efforts. The affected regions encompass around 50 acres, which consists of homesteads and agricultural land located on sloped terrain.
Social media platforms have been inundated with images and videos depicting individuals laboring intensively through the mud in search of victims. Many homes have been completely buried, leaving only rooftops visible. According to reports from the Daily Monitor, a considerable portion of the recovered bodies are children. In light of the catastrophe, the Prime Minister’s office issued a disaster alert on Wednesday, noting that the adverse weather conditions across the nation have obstructed major roadways. Additionally, two rescue boats capsized on Wednesday during a mission on the River Nile, where the Pakwach bridge was submerged.
Landslides are a recurrent issue in Uganda, particularly during the rainy season. The region observed heavy rains which significantly contributed to the recent disasters affecting Bulambuli district. This district’s geographical features render it especially vulnerable to such landslides. The incident has prompted a national response due to the high casualty rates and the difficulty in rescue operations amidst continued rainfall. The ongoing recovery efforts further highlight the challenges faced by local authorities in managing natural disasters in mountainous areas.
In summary, the tragic landslides in eastern Uganda have led to significant loss of life and numerous individuals missing, bringing attention to the vulnerabilities in the region. The ongoing rescue operations face challenges due to adverse weather conditions, with local authorities striving to recover victims and provide necessary aid. As the situation develops, the community continues to mourn the losses, particularly the fate of many children impacted by this disaster.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
