Death Toll from Uganda Landslide Climbs to 17 Amid Search Operations
The recent landslide in Uganda has led to at least 17 confirmed deaths and over 100 missing, with many homes buried by mud. The government had previously issued warnings to residents in high-risk areas. Rescue operations are ongoing as the country faces a series of heavy rains that have triggered extensive flooding and landslides.
On Friday, authorities in Uganda reported that the recent landslide in Bulambuli district has resulted in 17 confirmed fatalities, with over 100 individuals still reported missing. Following torrential rains that struck the area on Wednesday, the landslide buried numerous homes across various villages. Footage from local television showcased the devastation, with large sections of land inundated with mud where residences and schools once stood. Rescue teams are actively searching through the debris for survivors, as grief-stricken residents mourn for their missing relatives. Charles Odongtho, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, expressed his dismay at the rising death toll despite advance warnings regarding potential landslides due to the seasonal rains. In total, approximately 45 households were completely buried and many others sustained damage. Local leaders, such as Ignatius Wamakuyu Mudimi, shared tragic personal losses, including the death of a relative and her newborn. As the situation unfolds, the Ugandan government is urging those in landslide-prone regions to relocate, while rescue operations continue amidst the backdrop of unusual heavy rainfall that has plagued the region since October, causing widespread flooding and landslides. Historically, this mountainous area has shown susceptibility to similar disasters, underscoring the significance of appropriate disaster preparedness and response measures.
The occurrence of landslides in Uganda, particularly in mountainous regions, has become increasingly alarming due to environmental factors such as deforestation for agricultural purposes and increasing rainfall patterns attributed to climate change. The recent landslide in Bulambuli district serves as a tragic reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities living in high-risk areas. Uganda has been experiencing heavy rainfall since October 2023, leading to serious flooding and recurrent mudslides. The government has previously implemented early warning systems to alert residents of potential hazards, yet the effectiveness of these systems has come into question in light of the recent events. Consequently, the Ugandan government has initiated measures to relocate citizens from perilous zones as part of a broader disaster management strategy.
In summary, the devastating landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in 17 confirmed deaths and over 100 missing individuals, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by climate-induced disasters. The authorities are mobilizing resources for rescue operations while urging vulnerable communities to evacuate high-risk areas. Historical patterns of landslides in Uganda, compounded by environmental degradation and extreme weather events, emphasize the critical need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response measures to safeguard affected populations in the future.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
