Uganda – More Fatalities After Floods in Central and Eastern Regions

Further heavy rain has triggered flooding and landslides in Uganda. At least 7 people have died and hundreds left homeless in Central and Eastern Regions since 13 December, 2019.

Uganda Red Cross said on 14 December, “There are several impacts of flooding, some of which include loss of human life, damage to property, destruction of crops, loss of livestock and deterioration of health conditions.”

At least 5 people died after they were wept away by floods in Kampala on 14 December.
Fatalities were reported in Kira Division (1), Nakawa Division (2) and Rubaga Division (2). The Red Cross said there is now a fear of disease outbreaks such as cholera and malaria in flood-hit areas of the city.

On 13 December heavy rain caused a landslide in Zesui Sub County in Sironko District, leaving at least 2 people dead and hundreds displaced. Sironko and Bududa districts suffered major flooding and landslides earlier this month. At least 16 bodies have so far been recovered. As many as 500 families have been displaced.

Local media also recently reported flooding in Kagulu Sub County in Buyende District has damaged or destroyed about 250 homesteads leaving residents homeless.

On 13 December Uganda Red Cross said that flooding has also hit Kayunga District in Central Uganda, with Lusenke village among the worst affected. Red Cross added that Action Response Team (RCATs) were in the area to conduct rapid assessment.

Heavy rain was also recently reported in Tororo in the Eastern Region of Uganda. According to WMO figures, 192.4mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 16 December, 2019.

Meanwhile 1,123 people are still homeless after the massive landslides in Bundibugyo district on 07 December.

Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda visited Bundibugyo last week. He said, “all actors must now come in quickly to ensure that urgent water, sanitation and health services are restored to prevent diseases like cholera and dysentery from breaking out.”

Landslides and floods in Bundibugyo District, Western Uganda, December 2019. Photo: Uganda Red Cross

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