A devastating landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in at least 17 confirmed deaths, with over 100 individuals reported missing. The incident was triggered by intense rainfall in the Bulambuli district, where numerous homes were buried. The Ugandan government is facilitating rescue efforts and urging residents in risk-prone areas to evacuate as they contend with increasing flooding and landslides due to environmental degradation.
The tragic aftermath of a landslide in eastern Uganda has led to an increased death toll, now reaching 17, according to official reports from the government. The disaster struck on Wednesday in the Bulambuli district, approximately 300 kilometers east of Kampala, resulting in the burial of numerous homes as heavy rains continued to wreak havoc in the region. Over 100 individuals remain unaccounted for, and footage from local broadcasts depicts the devastation, with vast areas showing only deep mud where infrastructure once stood. Rescue efforts are currently underway as survivors mourn their losses and hope for the recovery of loved ones.
Charles Odongtho, the spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed disbelief at the rising death toll, especially given existing warnings aimed at residents in high-risk zones. The Uganda Red Cross Society has reported that at least 45 households have been completely buried, while others suffered partial damage. Notably, Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, a local lawmaker, shared the heartbreaking news that his niece and her newborn were among those entombed.
The Ugandan government has taken action by advising citizens living in landslide-prone areas to evacuate. Concurrently, the Red Cross and local law enforcement agencies are engaged in ongoing search and rescue operations. The region has experienced continuous heavy rainfall since October, which has resulted in widespread flooding and landslides. The River Nile, a critical waterway for Uganda, overflowed due to recent rainstorms, affecting key transportation routes. Furthermore, environmental degradation caused by the clearing of forests for agriculture has exacerbated the risk of landslides in these mountainous regions, which have previously endured similar catastrophes, including a significant avalanche in 2010 that claimed at least 80 lives.
The context surrounding the recent landslide in Uganda highlights the interplay between severe weather conditions and environmental degradation. Heavy rainfall has been a pressing issue in East Africa, particularly since October, leading to floods and landslides in various regions. The Bulambuli district, where the landslide occurred, is characterized by its mountainous terrain, which is particularly vulnerable to such disasters—especially in areas where natural vegetation has been removed for agricultural purposes. The Ugandan government has established early warning systems in an attempt to mitigate the impact of such events, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant.
In conclusion, the tragic landslide in eastern Uganda serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by extreme weather and improper land management. With a confirmed death toll of 17 and many missing, the Ugandan government is urging relocations from hazardous areas while rescue operations continue. The severity of the disaster underscores the importance of effective disaster preparedness and environmental conservation to prevent future tragedies in vulnerable regions.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
