113 Missing After Landslides Bury Houses in Eastern Uganda

Recent landslides in eastern Uganda have resulted in at least 15 confirmed deaths, with 113 individuals reported missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, led by local and national authorities, following the collapse of homes in Bulambuli district. The region has a troubling history of landslides, exacerbated by climate change and erratic weather patterns.

In the aftermath of devastating landslides in eastern Uganda, at least 113 individuals remain unaccounted for as the death toll has reached 15, according to reports from the police. Search and rescue efforts are actively being conducted by a coalition of local residents, the Uganda Red Cross, police, and military personnel, all striving to locate missing persons. The landslides, which occurred following heavy rainfall, buried more than 40 houses across six villages in Bulambuli district, necessitating immediate emergency response efforts. Subsequently, 15 injured individuals have been hospitalized, prompting authorities to express concerns that more victims may be trapped beneath the debris due to the severe nature of the rainfall. Furthermore, these landslides have led to significant flooding, damaging infrastructure and isolating various communities.

Eastern Uganda has a history of recurrent landslides, with this recent event highlighting the escalating impact of climate change and unpredictable weather patterns in the region. Over the past decade, the area has witnessed more than 1,000 fatalities attributed to landslides, underscoring a growing concern over environmental degradation and its catastrophic effects on local populations. Authorities have indicated that rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are contributing factors, amplifying the urgency for sustainable interventions to safeguard affected communities from future disasters.

The tragic landslides in eastern Uganda serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities in regions prone to climatic disturbances. With a significant number of individuals missing and the potential for further loss of life, concerted rescue efforts and a re-evaluation of regional environmental policies are essential. Increased awareness and proactive measures are needed to mitigate the effects of climate-related disasters in the future.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr