Heavy rains in eastern Uganda have led to devastating landslides in Masugu village, leaving at least 30 feared dead. Reports indicate the recovery of several bodies, while multiple villages have been affected, with significant property damage. The Ugandan government has issued a national disaster alert, mobilizing emergency teams to assist in recovery efforts and manage the aftermath of the floods.
At least 30 individuals are feared to have perished following devastating landslides that occurred in Masugu village, located in the Bulambuli district of eastern Uganda. Recent heavy rainfall has triggered significant flooding and landslides across the East African nation, prompting the government to declare a national disaster alert. District Commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi confirmed that as many as six bodies, including that of an infant, have been retrieved thus far, while the number of missing persons may suggest a higher death toll.
The Ugandan Red Cross spokesperson, John Cliff Wamala, reported that up to 13 bodies have been recovered as well, and he highlighted that multiple villages within the district have been impacted, with around 40 homes completely destroyed and others partially damaged. The situation remains uncertain, as the scale and specific locations of the landslides are still being assessed. Local media has circulated videos and photographs depicting search efforts in Kimono village, alongside the affected area.
The Prime Minister’s office of Uganda has issued a statement on X, indicating that the severe rains observed on Wednesday across various regions have culminated in disastrous conditions. The recent weather events have also caused flooding in the northwest region, leading to rising waters along a tributary of the Nile River. Emergency teams have been mobilized to assist individuals stranded on the roads; notably, a major roadway connecting Uganda with South Sudan became impassable, necessitating the deployment of emergency boats near Pakwach. It was reported that tragically, one of the boats capsized, resulting in the death of one engineer associated with the incident.
Historically, Uganda has experienced deadly landslides, notably in February 2010, when mudslides in the Mount Elgon region resulted in over 350 fatalities. Moreover, a catastrophic landslide in Freetown, Sierra Leone, in August 2017 resulted in a staggering 1,141 deaths. Earlier this year, Kampala witnessed a hazardous rubbish landslide which claimed more than 30 lives.
The occurrence of landslides and flooding in Uganda, particularly during heavy rainfall, has raised concerns regarding natural disasters in the region. With the government recently declaring a national disaster, the situation in eastern Uganda illustrates the persistent vulnerabilities exacerbated by climatic changes. The Bulambuli district has witnessed such catastrophic events in the past, resulting in numerous fatalities and significant damages to property and infrastructure. The historical context emphasizes the need for improved emergency preparedness and community awareness to mitigate the impact of such disasters going forward.
The tragic landslides in Uganda that have left at least 30 individuals feared deceased shed light on the considerable risks posed by severe weather conditions. With the government responding to the disaster, the alarming frequency of such events in the region prompts calls for enhanced emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The ongoing investigations and recovery efforts underscore the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges in Uganda and ensuring the safety and resilience of affected communities.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
