In brief
A devastating landslide in Bulambuli district, eastern Uganda, has left at least 13 people dead, with local officials fearing that the actual death toll may rise significantly following heavy rains that triggered the disaster. Over 40 homes were swept away in the calamity that struck multiple villages approximately 280 kilometers from the capital city, Kampala.
Rescue efforts, led by the Ugandan Red Cross Society, are currently underway as they work to locate survivors and recover the bodies. Reports indicate that a majority of the deceased are children, which has intensified the anguish for affected families and communities. Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has appealed for urgent aid, highlighting the dire situation as many individuals remain unaccounted for and feared buried beneath the debris. As rivers overflow and flooding engulfs schools, churches, and vital infrastructure, the Ugandan military has been called in to support recovery efforts. Tragically, an engineer lost his life when a rescue boat capsized while attempting to assist a taxi stranded on a bridge. During a parliamentary session, Speaker Anitah Among conveyed heartfelt condolences to all who have suffered losses from the widespread flooding across the nation. This natural disaster serves as a grave reminder of the intensifying impact of climate change, as communities grapple with the devastating consequences of environmental shifts.
