Landslide in Eastern Uganda Results in 17 Fatalities and Hundreds Missing
A landslide in eastern Uganda has killed 17 and left over 100 missing, burying 45 households. The disaster struck in Bulambuli district due to heavy rain, prompting official warnings about risks. Government and rescue operations are responding, but the area has a history of landslides exacerbated by deforestation.
The recent landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in a tragic death toll of 17 individuals, with over 100 people reported missing, according to a government spokesperson. This disaster, occurring on Wednesday in Bulambuli district—approximately 300 kilometers east of Kampala—completely buried at least 45 households and inflicted severe damage on several villages. Local broadcasts depicted scenes of devastation where homes and schools once stood, now replaced by expanses of deep mud. Survivors expressed their grief as rescue teams continued to search the wreckage for any remaining survivors.
Charles Odongtho, the spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister responsible for disaster management, expressed his astonishment at the death toll in light of the early warnings issued regarding the impending seasonal rains that were expected to pose risks to the communities in vulnerable areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to informing residents of potential disasters. Sadly, the situation is dire, as relatives mourn those, including Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi’s niece and her newborn, who were among those lost in the tragedy.
The Ugandan government has mandated that individuals residing in landslide-risk regions relocate to safer areas. Currently, search-and-rescue operations are being conducted by the Red Cross and local police. The country has faced a significant increase in rainfall since October, leading to extensive flooding and landslides. Earlier this week, overflowing waters from the Nile River disrupted transportation, further emphasizing the severity of the ongoing weather conditions.
Historically, the mountainous regions of Uganda have faced similar disasters, with deforestation for agricultural practices exacerbating the risk of landslides. In 2010, an avalanche in the same area claimed at least 80 lives, highlighting the persistent danger posed by environmental degradation in such regions.
Landslides in Uganda, particularly in mountainous regions, have become a recurrent hazard due to environmental factors like deforestation and heavy rainfall. The recent landslide, which occurred on October 11, 2023, in Bulambuli district, illustrates the severe risks associated with such geological events. The area’s vulnerability has historically led to devastating consequences, as seen in a previous avalanche in 2010 that resulted in numerous fatalities. The Ugandan government has initiated measures to alert residents about potential landslides, but challenges remain, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
In summary, the landslide incident in eastern Uganda has resulted in the loss of 17 lives, with over 100 individuals still unaccounted for. Early warnings about seasonal rainfall did not suffice to prevent this disaster, highlighting ongoing risks in deforested regions. Efforts are currently underway to conduct rescue operations, and the government has urged residents in vulnerable zones to relocate for their safety. The tragedy underscores the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability strategies to mitigate future occurrences.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
