Uganda Landslide Caused by Heavy Rainfall Claims 17 Lives
The government spokesperson of Uganda announced on Friday (November 29) that the death toll from a landslide triggered by heavy rain in eastern Uganda has risen to 17, with over a hundred people reported missing.
The landslide occurred on Wednesday (November 27) in the Bulambuli region, about 300 kilometers (190 miles) east of the capital Kampala. Continuous heavy rainfall in the area led to the collapse of the mountainside, burying dozens of houses in several villages.
According to Reuters, the Uganda Red Cross stated in a press release that at least 45 households have been completely buried, while others have suffered partial damage.
Red Cross and the police are currently carrying out rescue operations in the affected areas.
The Ugandan government has urged residents living in landslide-prone areas to relocate.
Since October, this East African country has been facing unusual heavy rainfall, causing floods and landslides in some regions.
In Uganda, extensive deforestation of the hillsides for agricultural purposes has increased the risk of landslides. The clearing of forests and vegetation on the slopes has left the land vulnerable to erosion and landslips.