Overview

In a devastating turn of events, eastern Uganda has been rocked by landslides that have claimed at least 15 lives, with more than 100 individuals reported missing after torrential rains lashed the region. This natural disaster unfolded in the night, particularly impacting the mountainous district of Bulambuli, and authorities are on high alert for the rising death toll.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

On Thursday, police confirmed the grim figures, revealing that 113 people were unaccounted for across six villages. Eyewitness accounts and distressing images circulated by local media portray scenes of destruction in the village of Masugu, which lies approximately a five-hour drive from the capital, Kampala. Social media videos depict residents desperately searching through the debris in the hopeful quest for survivors, especially in the village of Kimono.

Response from Uganda Red Cross

The Uganda Red Cross Society has mobilized rescue operations, although fears mount that the death toll may escalate even further. "We lost about 30 people," reported district commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi to AFP, underscoring the dire circumstances faced by the community. So far, six bodies have been recovered, brutally highlighting the urgency of the situation with one of the deceased being an infant.

Extent of Destruction

Authorities are grappling with the vast extent of devastation, as Mpalanyi noted, "Given the destruction and the size of the area affected, many individuals are likely buried under the rubble." The heavy rains preceding the mudslides have significantly contributed to the calamity, triggering flooding across the northwest after a tributary of the Nile overflowed.

Government's Response

In response to this catastrophic event, the Prime Minister's office issued a disaster alert, indicating that major roads throughout the country remain impassable. Emergency service teams have been deployed to aid stranded motorists, particularly along the vital road connecting Uganda to South Sudan, which has become treacherous.

Further Tragedy During Rescue