Tragic Landslides in Eastern Uganda: Devastation and Ongoing Rescue Efforts

Saturday 30 November 2024 - 00:00

At least 15 people have lost their lives, and 113 others remain missing after a series of landslides buried homes in six villages in eastern Uganda. According to the police, another 15 individuals have been injured and were rescued and transported to Buluganya Health Center for treatment.

The Uganda Red Cross Society reported on Thursday that 13 bodies had been recovered following the landslides, which had buried around 40 homes. Despite the ongoing efforts, the rescue operations continue, and local authorities anticipate that the death toll could rise to 30.

The tragic event occurred in the mountainous district of Bulambuli, located approximately 280 kilometers east of the capital Kampala. The landslides followed heavy rainfall that fell on Wednesday night. This region, known for its susceptibility to landslides, was hit particularly hard, with the affected area spanning about 50 acres, including homesteads and farmlands.

A local journalist on the scene reported that authorities were planning to bring in an excavator to aid in the rescue, but the mud-covered roads and continuous rain made access difficult. Rescue efforts have been challenging, with photos and videos shared on social media showing people digging through the thick mud in search of victims. Some homes were completely engulfed by mud, with only the rooftops visible above the surface.

The Daily Monitor newspaper highlighted that the majority of the bodies recovered so far were those of children, adding to the heartbreak of this disaster.

On Wednesday, the Prime Minister's office issued a disaster alert, noting that heavy rains across the country had caused significant disruptions, including the cutting off of major roads. Furthermore, two rescue boats capsized during a mission on the River Nile, where the Pakwach bridge was submerged, complicating the already difficult rescue efforts.

As the search for survivors continues, the residents of Bulambuli and neighboring areas are grappling with the aftermath of this devastating disaster.