Uganda – Deadly Storm and Floods in Eastern Region

by in Africa, News

Heavy rain has caused flooding in parts of Uganda and neighbouring areas of Kenya. Local media have reported at least 18 fatalities after a storm in Uganda’s Eastern Region. One person has reportedly died in flooding in Busia County in Kenya, where heavy rain further east has also caused flooding in Nakuru County.

Uganda

A storm that brought hail, strong winds and heavy rain to parts of eastern Uganda on 23 April has left at least 18 people dead and displaced around 900, according to local media.

The storm hit during the early hours of 23 April caused flooding in Buyende and Kamuli districts.

As many as 140 people were injured, and houses and livestock severely damaged. Local Member of Parliament, Robert Musoke, appealed to the ministry of disaster preparedness to intervene and help the people who are currently homeless and without food.

Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, said in a statement:

“It is with great sadness that I have learnt about the death of 17 people in the Greater Kamuli sub region, during a fierce hailstorm last night. According to Police, 13 people died in Kidera sub county, in Buyende District, while another four perished in Kamuli.”

Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda said:

“We stand in solidarity with the people of Buyende and Kamuli who have been affected by heavy rains that wrecked havoc, causing death and destruction.”

He added that “relief food and non food items have been dispatched.”

Kenya

Close to the border with Uganda, hundreds of families in Teso south constituency, Busia County, Kenya, have been left stranded after their homes where submerged following heavy downpour. According to state-run media organisation Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), one person has died in the flooding in Busia.

Flooding and heavy rain in Kenya have also affected areas further east. KBC reported that 3 people died after heavy rains in Naivasha in Nakuru County.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) reported that flooding has closed part of a road between Mai Mahiu and Suswa. Local media reported hundreds of drivers were stuck in mud and flood water.

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