Tragic Landslides in Uganda Leave at Least 30 Feared Dead

At least 30 people are feared dead due to landslides in eastern Uganda amidst heavy rains. Efforts to locate missing individuals are ongoing, with significant property damage reported. The government has declared a national disaster in response to the calamity, which has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.

At least 30 individuals are feared dead following a series of landslides in Masugu village, situated in the eastern Bulambuli district of Uganda. The region has recently experienced torrential rainfall, prompting the Ugandan government to declare a national disaster. District commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi reported to AFP that while six bodies, including that of an infant, have been recovered, many others are likely buried in the rubble, leading to concerns that the death toll may continue to rise.

According to Uganda Red Cross spokesperson, John Cliff Wamala, reports indicate that 13 bodies have been retrieved and that around 40 homes have been completely destroyed or partially damaged as a result of the landslides, affecting multiple villages in the district. Despite efforts to assess the full extent of the calamity, the precise locations and scale of the landslides remain unclear. Social media have circulated videos and photographs depicting rescue efforts in Kimono village, another area impacted by the disaster.

The Prime Minister’s office of Uganda issued a warning via social media regarding the severe weather conditions that have led to disastrous situations across several regions of the country. Further complicating rescue activities, heavy rainfall caused flooding in the northwest, where a tributary of the Nile River overflowed. Emergency services have been dispatched to assist stranded individuals, with reports indicating that a major road connecting Uganda to South Sudan was rendered impassable. Tragically, one rescue boat capsized during operations, resulting in the death of an engineer.

Historically, Uganda has suffered from severe landslides and mudslides, with previous occurrences resulting in significant loss of life, such as the catastrophic mudslides in the Mount Elgon region in February 2010 which claimed over 350 lives. In August 2017, Sierra Leone experienced the deadliest landslide in Africa, leading to the demise of 1,141 individuals.

Recent heavy rainfalls in Uganda have raised alarms regarding potential landslides, particularly in the eastern regions known for such geological hazards. The local government has responded to the increasing threats by sounding national disaster alerts to mobilize resources and aid for affected communities. Landslides have historically been a concern in the region, leading to substantial fatalities in the past years, thus highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of many Ugandan communities to severe weather patterns and their consequences.

In summary, the landslides in eastern Uganda have resulted in a tragic loss of life and significant property damage. With at least 30 individuals feared dead and a considerable number of homes destroyed, the community faces a challenging recovery ahead. The Ugandan government’s prompt response in declaring a national disaster and mobilizing emergency resources is crucial in managing the aftermath of this calamity. Furthermore, the historical context of similar disasters underscores the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response strategies in the region.

Original Source: www.barrons.com