Uganda floods: Death toll hits 36, thousands left homeless

Uganda floods: Death toll hits 36, thousands left homeless

Heavy rains experienced in Eastern Uganda have left 36 people dead after heavy rains swept across a mountainous region.

Rescue teams in Bundibugyo District led by Uganda Red Cross Society revealed that many people are still unaccounted for.

Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Musa Echweru said the Uganda floods swept over 11 sub counties.

Search and rescue operations in the region have reportedly been hampered because roads have been swept away by the Uganda floods.

Bugisu and Bundibugyo regions near Ruwenzori Mountain were the worst affected.

— Uganda Red Cross Soc (@UgandaRedCross) December 8, 2019

Mudslides and floods left thousands homeless with APA news reporting that the displaced have been forced to seek shelter in schools and nearby churches.

This after more than 3o houses were swept away by the Uganda floods and property buried in mud slides.

“Most likely Bubukwang transit center is going to house close to 700 people who are displaced in Bundibugyo,” said Irene Nakasita from Ugandan Red Cross.

Musa Echweru further added that the flood affected areas are at risk of getting an out break of water-borne diseases.

“There’s a risk of contamination of water and if that is not handled well, then we are going to risk another phase of a challenge, an outbreak of cholera which will compound our humanitarian intervention,” he said.

The government is said to have released money for emergency drugs to treat water-borne diseases, inflatable boats, tarps, blankets, food, and repairing bridges.

Ugandan authorities say the floods are expected to recede in January.

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