In brief
A devastating landslide in Uganda has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, with the toll potentially escalating as rescue operations continue in the affected eastern region.
On Wednesday, the Bulambuli district, situated approximately 280 km (178 miles) from the capital, Kampala, was struck by mudslides due to relentless rainfall that has inundated the area in recent days. The Ugandan Red Cross Society confirmed the initial death toll, but local news outlet AFP anticipates it could rise as reports indicate as many as 30 individuals might be unaccounted for. Most of the deceased recovered thus far are children, raising alarm among local communities as rescue workers sift through debris to locate other missing victims. The Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, issued a disaster warning via social media, noting that many are feared buried under the landslides. Additionally, the continuous heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding that has submerged schools and churches, damaged bridges, and left numerous communities isolated. The Ugandan military has been mobilized to support the search and recovery efforts, with reports of tragic incidents including a capsizing boat during a rescue operation, leading to the death of an engineer. In response to the crisis, Parliament Speaker Anitah Among conveyed her condolences to families affected by the tragedies throughout the country, underlining the widespread impact of the floods exacerbated by severe weather patterns.
