Bulambuli District, Uganda—At least 15 people have been confirmed dead and over 100 are missing after heavy rains triggered landslides that buried approximately 40 homes across six villages in eastern Uganda’s Bulambuli District.
AP NEWS
The disaster struck on Wednesday night, affecting an area of about 50 acres that included both homesteads and farmlands. Rescue operations have been hampered by continuous rainfall and mud-covered roads, complicating efforts to reach survivors. Local officials are considering deploying excavators to assist in the search and rescue missions.
Among the deceased, many are reported to be children. Thirteen bodies have been recovered so far, and 15 injured individuals have been admitted to Buluganya Health Center. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.
Irene Muloni, the Member of Parliament for Bulambuli District, emphasized the urgency of relocating residents from the landslide-prone areas to prevent further tragedies. “Waterfalls are everywhere, and the rainfall is excessive. Let people be evacuated immediately,” she urged, advising residents to seek refuge with relatives and vacate dangerous zones.
This incident adds to a series of natural disasters that have plagued the Mount Elgon region, which straddles the border between Uganda and Kenya. The area frequently experiences heavy rainfall, leading to devastating landslides that have previously resulted in significant loss of life and property.
In a related event, two rescue boats capsized during operations on the submerged Pakwach bridge over the River Nile, highlighting the widespread impact of the ongoing heavy rains across the country.
The government has pledged to assist the affected communities and is formulating plans to relocate residents from high-risk areas to safer locations. However, the persistent rainfall continues to pose challenges to these efforts.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and adhere to evacuation advisories to safeguard their lives.