Uganda Landslide Claims 17 Lives Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations

The death toll from a landslide in eastern Uganda has reached 17, following heavy rainfall that obstructed several villages in Bulambuli district. Search operations are ongoing for more than 100 individuals reported missing while many homes have been completely buried under mud. The Ugandan government has urged relocation from landslide-prone areas as the nation continues to experience unusually severe weather conditions.

The recent landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in a tragic rise in the death toll to 17, according to a government official. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the disaster occurred in the Bulambuli district, roughly 300 kilometers east of Kampala, completely burying numerous households across various villages. On the ground, rescue efforts are ongoing, with local authorities and humanitarian organizations working amid distressing scenes as residents mourn missing relatives and friends. The Uganda Red Cross Society reported that at least 45 homes were completely covered, exacerbating the current humanitarian crisis in the area.

Charles Odongtho, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed his shock at the high number of casualties, emphasizing the efficacy of the country’s early warning systems designed to alert residents of impending dangers. Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, a local lawmaker, shared a heartbreaking account of personal loss, stating that his niece and her newborn were among the victims. The government is urging individuals residing in high-risk zones to move to safer locations, highlighting the critical need for proactive disaster response and community safety measures.

The situation is exacerbated by a prolonged period of excessive rainfall affecting the region since October, leading to widespread floods and additional landslides. Furthermore, the over-exploitation of forested areas along mountainous slopes for agriculture has heightened the risk of such disasters. This particular region has a history of landslides, with a significant event occurring in 2010 that resulted in the deaths of at least 80 individuals. The need for effective management of land use and improved infrastructure is now more apparent than ever as Uganda grapples with these natural calamities.

Two primary factors have contributed to the recent increase in landslides in Uganda, particularly in the eastern regions. Firstly, ongoing heavy rainfall since October has significantly destabilized the ground, leading to dangerous conditions in mountainous areas where the soil is already compromised. Secondly, extensive deforestation for agricultural development has reduced the land’s natural stability, increasing the likelihood of landslides. The government has made efforts to alert communities to these risks, but the unfortunate loss of life and property suggests that additional preventive measures are required both for future safety and recovery efforts.

The recent landslide in Uganda has highlighted the profound impact of natural disasters exacerbated by environmental mismanagement and changing weather patterns. With a rising death toll and many individuals missing, it is crucial for authorities to implement comprehensive strategies focusing on land preservation, community safety, and emergency preparedness to mitigate future risks. The ongoing rescue operations aim to locate survivors from this tragedy, reflecting the urgent need for community support and national attention towards disaster resilience.

Original Source: dunyanews.tv