By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
A catastrophic landslide in eastern Uganda has claimed at least 13 lives, with officials fearing the true death toll could be much higher. Triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, the disaster swept through multiple villages in Bulambuli district, approximately 280 kilometers (178 miles) from the capital, Kampala. Local reports indicate that as many as 40 houses were engulfed in the landslide, leaving survivors grappling with loss and uncertainty.
Rescue operations are underway, led by the Ugandan Red Cross Society and supported by military forces.
Authorities on the ground have recovered several bodies, most of which are reported to be children, according to Uganda’s Daily Monitor. The Red Cross warns that the final toll could rise significantly as search teams continue to navigate the challenging terrain. Meanwhile, families remain anxious, with many still missing and feared buried under the rubble.
The ongoing heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Uganda in recent days, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Rivers have overflowed, flooding schools, churches, and vital infrastructure. Bridges have been destroyed, cutting off entire communities and complicating rescue efforts. The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, issued a disaster warning on Wednesday, urging citizens in affected areas to prioritize safety and heed evacuation orders where possible.
Adding to the tragedy, a rescue operation near a flooded bridge resulted in further loss of life. While deploying two boats to rescue stranded individuals, one vessel capsized, leading to the death of an engineer. This incident highlights the extreme risks faced by emergency personnel as they work tirelessly to save lives and restore some semblance of order.
In Parliament, Speaker Anitah Among extended her condolences to the families of those affected by the disaster. She also called for increased governmental focus on disaster preparedness and response, emphasizing the urgent need for support in isolated and devastated regions. The Ugandan military has been instrumental in the ongoing rescue efforts, deploying personnel and equipment to aid recovery missions.
The heavy rainfall afflicting Uganda is part of a larger pattern of extreme weather impacting East Africa. Climate experts have warned that changing weather patterns are increasing the frequency and intensity of such disasters, putting vulnerable communities at even greater risk. Regions like Bulambuli, which are prone to landslides due to their mountainous terrain, are particularly susceptible to the compounded effects of deforestation and poor land management practices.
As rescue operations continue, humanitarian organizations and local authorities are urging international support to address the immediate needs of the affected populations. Emergency shelter, medical aid, and food supplies are critical to alleviating the suffering of survivors. The disaster underscores the urgent need for long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and improve disaster resilience in Uganda and across the region.
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of extreme weather and the resilience of communities in the face of immense hardship. As Uganda mourns its losses, it must also prioritize efforts to rebuild and protect its vulnerable populations from future calamities.
