Landslides in Eastern Uganda Leave at Least 13 Dead, Dozens Feared Missing
Eastern Uganda is reeling from a devastating natural disaster after heavy rains triggered landslides that buried dozens of homes across six villages in Bulambuli district. The Uganda Red Cross Society has confirmed that at least 13 bodies have been recovered, though the death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
The disaster struck on Wednesday night following days of relentless rainfall. Over 40 homes were “completely buried” in the mountainous region, with eyewitness accounts and local media showing vast swaths of displaced earth engulfing villages like Masugu and Kimono, located approximately five hours from the capital, Kampala.
Videos circulating on social media depict community members desperately digging through debris in a race against time to locate survivors. “We lost about 30 people,” Faheera Mpalanyi, the district commissioner, told AFP. She added that the recovery of six bodies, including that of an infant, underscores the scale of devastation.
“From what affected families are reporting and the extent of destruction, several individuals remain missing and are likely buried under the rubble,” Mpalanyi said.
Widespread Impact Across Uganda
The heavy rains have also caused widespread flooding, particularly in Uganda’s northwestern regions. A tributary of the Nile River burst its banks, inundating key infrastructure and cutting off major roads. This prompted the Ugandan Prime Minister’s office to issue a disaster alert, warning of impassable roads and urging caution.
Emergency response teams were deployed to assist stranded motorists, including near the town of Pakwach, where a key route connecting Uganda to South Sudan was submerged. Tragically, efforts to navigate the floods claimed the life of an engineer when an emergency boat capsized, according to a statement by Uganda’s Defence Forces on X (formerly Twitter).
A History of Vulnerability
Uganda’s mountainous areas are prone to landslides, particularly during the rainy seasons, as deforestation and poor land management exacerbate soil instability. The latest tragedy highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to protect communities in vulnerable regions.
As rescue efforts continue, local authorities and humanitarian organizations are appealing for support to address immediate needs and prevent further loss of life. With many families displaced and critical infrastructure damaged, the region faces a long road to recovery.
Source : Swifteradio.com
