In eastern Uganda, 113 individuals are missing following massive landslides that claimed 15 lives. Heavy rainfall caused the landslides, which buried numerous houses. Authorities are conducting search and rescue operations amid worsening climatic conditions that have led to such disasters in the region.
A catastrophic landslide in eastern Uganda has resulted in 113 individuals being reported missing, with the confirmed death toll reaching 15, as stated by local police. The landslides, exacerbated by heavy rainfall, engulfed more than 40 homes across six villages in the Bulambuli district. Rescue operations continue amid fears that additional bodies may be trapped beneath the debris. Authorities highlighted the significant ongoing efforts by local citizens, the Uganda Red Cross, law enforcement, and military personnel to locate and aid the missing individuals and injured. Torrential rains have also caused rivers to overflow, leading to severe flooding of schools and churches and damaging essential infrastructure such as bridges, thereby isolating various communities.
The occurrence of landslides in eastern Uganda is a recurrent tragedy, with over 1,000 fatalities reported in the past decade due to similar events. These disasters have been increasingly associated with climate change and abnormal weather patterns, resulting in heightened rainfall and subsequent soil instability. The Bulambuli district is particularly vulnerable due to its geographic and climatic conditions, which have been intensified by global environmental changes.
The recent landslides in eastern Uganda have prompted urgent search and rescue operations to find those missing and aid the affected. This tragedy underscores the ongoing risks posed by climate-related phenomena in the region, signaling an urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and response strategies. As the search efforts continue, communities are reminded of the devastating impact of climate change and the pressing requirement for sustainable solutions to protect vulnerable areas.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
