Landslide in Eastern Uganda Claims 17 Lives Amid Heavy Rainfall
A landslide in eastern Uganda has claimed at least 17 lives and left over 100 missing, with 45 households completely buried. The government had issued warnings about potential landslides due to seasonal rains. Rescue efforts are ongoing, while the impact of recent rainfall has led to widespread flooding and landslide risks in the region.
The recent landslide in Bulambuli district of eastern Uganda, triggered by torrential rainfall, has resulted in a tragic death toll rising to 17, with over 100 individuals still unaccounted for. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, buried entire households across various villages, affecting at least 45 families that were completely engulfed. The local media has reported harrowing images of areas once bustling with homes and schools now transformed into vast expanses of mud, as community members mourn their missing relatives amidst rescue efforts. Government officials had previously warned residents in precarious areas about the impending risks associated with heavy seasonal rains.
Charles Odongtho, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed dismay over the rising death toll given the established early warning systems. Lawmaker Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi shared a personal tragedy, noting that his niece lost her life in the landslide alongside her newborn. As a response to this disaster, the Ugandan government has urged people residing in landslide-prone regions to relocate to safer areas. Concurrently, the Uganda Red Cross and law enforcement agencies have mobilized to conduct search-and-rescue operations amidst this unfolding catastrophe.
The heavy rains affecting East Africa since October have exacerbated the risk of flooding and landslides, with the River Nile overflowing its banks and disrupting critical transportation routes. Poor land management practices, such as deforestation for agriculture in mountainous regions, have also considerably heightened the chances of landslides in Uganda, which has a history of similar disasters, including a 2010 avalanche that resulted in 80 fatalities.
Uganda has been experiencing significant rainfall since October, which has led to increased flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. The country’s geographical landscape, with mountainous terrain and denuded slopes due to agricultural practices, poses a persistent risk for natural disasters. In the aftermath of significant rains, landslides have become a urgent concern, prompting warnings from government officials to citizens living in high-risk areas. The prior experiences, such as the deadly avalanche in 2010, underscore the critical nature of this issue.
In conclusion, the landslide in Bulambuli district highlights the severity of natural disasters compounded by heavy rainfall in Uganda. With a rising death toll and numerous individuals reported missing, the situation is dire. Government intervention, including relocation and ongoing rescue operations, is imperative to safeguard communities from future disasters. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and effective land management in mitigating the effects of climate-related events.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
