At least 30 people are feared dead due to landslides in eastern Uganda, primarily in Masugu village, following heavy rainfall. Local officials and the Red Cross report ongoing recovery efforts, with many missing and significant property damage. This disaster has raised alarms about the country’s vulnerability to natural calamities.
In eastern Uganda, landslides have tragically resulted in the feared deaths of at least 30 individuals, as reported by local authorities on Thursday. This disaster occurred in Masugu village, located in Bulambuli district, approximately five hours away from the capital city, Kampala. The region has recently experienced heavy rainfall, prompting the government to issue a national disaster alert due to the ensuing flooding and landslides. Reports indicate the swift arrival of emergency services to recover victims amidst the devastation, where six bodies, including that of a baby, have already been retrieved. The local district commissioner, Faheera Mpalanyi, expressed concern that more individuals may be trapped under the debris, as many families report missing persons.
John Cliff Wamala, spokesperson for the Ugandan Red Cross, confirmed that 13 bodies have been recovered from the disaster site. The extent of the landslide damage affected multiple villages within the district, with estimates indicating that approximately 40 homes were entirely destroyed, while several others sustained varying degrees of damage. Social media has been utilized to disseminate videos depicting efforts to unearth survivors in nearby Kimono village. Additionally, the prime minister’s office alerted the public regarding the ongoing disaster situations resulting from heavy rainfalls across the nation.
This rainfall led to flooding in northwest Uganda due to the overflow of a tributary of the Nile River. Emergency personnel have been deployed to rescue stranded motorists, particularly as major roadways connecting Uganda to South Sudan became impassable. Unfortunately, an incident involving a capsized boat resulted in the death of an engineer, according to a statement from Uganda’s defense forces. Historical context shows that Uganda has experienced severe landslides in the past, notably resulting in over 350 fatalities in February 2010 and over 30 deaths earlier this year in a separate landslide incident in Kampala, making the current situation particularly alarming.
The article discusses the devastating impact of recent landslides in eastern Uganda, triggered by heavy rainfall that has plagued the region. This weather phenomenon has not only caused landslides but has also led to flooding, prompting the government to declare a national disaster. Historical incidences of deadly landslides in Uganda emphasize the severity of the situation, underscoring the vulnerability of certain regions within the country to natural disasters. The response from local emergency teams and humanitarian organizations highlights the ongoing efforts to manage the crisis and recover victims.
In conclusion, the landslides in Bulambuli district of eastern Uganda have caused significant loss of life and destruction of property, with at least 30 individuals feared dead and many homes destroyed. The government has responded by issuing disaster alerts and mobilizing emergency teams to aid recovery efforts. The affected communities are currently facing immense challenges as they grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, reflecting a broader concern regarding the nation’s preparedness and resilience against natural disasters.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
