Houses swept away in Uganda landslide after heavy rainfall
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At least 14 people have been confirmed dead after a landslide in eastern Uganda, triggered by days of heavy rainfall, but officials fear the death toll could be higher. The landslide, which swept away more than 40 homes, struck several villages in the Bulambuli district, located approximately 280 kilometers (178 miles) from the capital, Kampala. According to the Ugandan Red Cross Society, the confirmed death toll stands at 14, although reports from AFP suggest it may rise to as many as 30 people.
The heavy rainfall that caused the landslides has been affecting Uganda for several days, leading to widespread devastation across the country. Rescue teams are actively working to recover the bodies and search for survivors. The Ugandan Red Cross reported that six of the bodies found so far belong to children. In response to the disaster, Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja issued a warning on X (formerly Twitter) stating that people are feared to be missing and buried by the landslides. The situation remains dire, and authorities are concerned that the number of casualties could continue to rise as more information becomes available.
The ongoing heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, leading to widespread flooding. Floodwaters have submerged schools, churches, and homes, while also damaging infrastructure, including roads and bridges. Several communities have been isolated as a result of the flooding, with efforts underway to reach those in need. The military has been called in to support search and rescue operations, including the use of boats to reach stranded individuals. On Wednesday, two boats were dispatched to rescue a taxi trapped on a bridge near the town of Pakwach, but one of the boats capsized during the operation. Tragically, an engineer involved in the rescue effort lost their life.
In Uganda’s parliament, Speaker Anitah Among expressed her condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the devastating flooding and landslides that have swept across the country. “Our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy,” she said during a session on Thursday. The disaster has sparked national grief, as many Ugandans are affected by the severe weather conditions.
This is not the first time that eastern Uganda has faced such calamities. The region, known for its mountainous terrain and fertile land, has been particularly vulnerable to flooding and landslides. In 2010, a massive landslide in the nearby Bududa district killed about 300 people, making it one of Uganda’s most catastrophic natural disasters. The region’s agricultural potential, combined with people’s attachment to their ancestral lands, has made relocation difficult. Many residents are unwilling to leave the areas despite the ongoing risk of natural disasters.
However, the intensity of the rains and the increasing frequency of flooding and landslides this year have forced thousands of people to abandon their homes. According to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the devastating weather events have displaced many, highlighting the growing vulnerability of communities in the region. The IFRC has been working to provide support, including distributing emergency relief to those affected.
The government’s response to the crisis has focused on providing immediate assistance to those in need, while also planning for longer-term recovery efforts. Efforts are being made to repair damaged infrastructure and improve the resilience of communities to future disasters. In addition, the Ugandan government has called for international support to help manage the ongoing crisis, as the scale of the destruction continues to unfold.
The current disaster serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by Uganda and other East African nations due to changing weather patterns. Climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall, floods, and landslides, which are becoming increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities to manage. The people of Uganda, particularly those in eastern regions like Bulambuli, will need continued support to rebuild their lives and adapt to the changing climate.
As the rescue and recovery operations continue, the government and humanitarian organizations are working together to provide relief and ensure that the affected communities have access to the aid they need. The loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the landslides is a stark reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change and improving disaster preparedness in Uganda and across East Africa.
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