Tragic Landslides in Eastern Uganda: Death Toll Rises Amid Ongoing Rescues

At least 15 fatalities and over 100 missing following landslides in six villages in eastern Uganda after heavy rainfall. Rescue operations ongoing, with local authorities fearing death toll may rise. The affected area, located in Bulambuli district, struggles with access issues due to mud-covered roads and continuous rain.

Recent landslides in eastern Uganda have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 15 lives, with 113 individuals still unaccounted for. This disaster struck six villages following heavy rainfall, leading to homes being completely engulfed by mud. Rescue operations are ongoing, with 15 injured persons currently receiving treatment at Buluganya Health Center. The Uganda Red Cross Society has confirmed that 13 bodies have been retrieved thus far, and local authorities fear the death toll may reach as high as 30.

The landslides occurred in the Bulambuli district, approximately 280 kilometers east of Kampala, where such natural disasters are not uncommon. Reports indicate that local officials are working to deploy excavation equipment to assist in the rescue, although access to the affected area remains challenging due to mud-covered roads. The landslide has impacted approximately 50 acres of inhabited and cultivated land, complicating rescue efforts as rain continues to fall.

Visual documentation of the disaster has been shared widely on social media, depicting the heroic efforts of community members digging amidst the wreckage. Many of the recovered bodies appear to be those of children, raising serious concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations in such landslide-prone regions. In light of widespread flooding in the country, the Prime Minister’s office has issued disaster alerts, acknowledging the significant damage to infrastructure including major roadways, and rescue efforts have also been hampered by incidents such as the capsizing of two rescue boats on the River Nile.

Landslides are a prevalent hazard in mountain regions, particularly in areas like Bulambuli district, where the terrain and climatic conditions contribute to frequent occurrences. Uganda has been experiencing increased rainfall recently, leading to heightened risks of such disasters. The humanitarian response to landslides involves not only immediate rescue and recovery efforts but also long-term infrastructural improvements to prevent future tragedies. This incident underlines the urgent need for disaster preparedness and response strategies in vulnerable communities.

In summary, the recent landslides in eastern Uganda have resulted in significant loss of life and substantial missing persons, particularly affecting children in the region. Ongoing rescue operations face challenges due to the persistent rain and difficult terrain. The disaster highlights the importance of improved disaster response measures and infrastructure resilience in areas prone to natural hazards.

Original Source: edition.cnn.com