editor
The devastating landslide that struck eastern Uganda last week has claimed 28 lives, with more bodies being recovered from the mud, including two young children.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday when the landslide buried several villages along the slopes of Mount Elgon, an extinct volcano located on the border between Uganda and Kenya, about 300 kilometers east of the capital, Kampala.
Among the latest victims were two three-year-old boys, whose bodies were found in the aftermath of the disaster. Although authorities have continued to search the area, dozens of people are still missing, and fears are growing that the death toll could rise further in the coming days.
Initially, 17 deaths were confirmed, and over 100 people were feared missing. As recovery operations continue, officials have reported that additional bodies have been found, but have not shared further details. The search efforts remain ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to reach the most affected areas.
Since October, the region has been battered by unusually heavy rainfall, which has led to widespread flooding and landslides. The Uganda Red Cross has pointed to climate change as a key factor in the extreme weather, which has devastated many communities across the country. This landslide, while one of the deadliest, is not an isolated event for the Mount Elgon area, which has seen several similar disasters in the past. In 2010, another landslide in the same region killed at least 80 people, underlining the persistent risks faced by those living in the area.
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The remote location of the affected villages and the difficult terrain have made rescue operations even more challenging. While efforts continue, many survivors are left grappling with the loss of family members, homes, and livelihoods. With the rains expected to continue, there are growing concerns about the potential for more disasters in the coming weeks.
Local authorities have issued warnings urging people to leave vulnerable areas, but many residents have little choice but to stay, as poverty and a lack of resources make relocation difficult. For many, these landslides are a painful reminder of the dangers posed by living in high-risk areas and the urgent need for better disaster preparedness.
The death toll from this disaster is a heartbreaking reminder of the growing impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. As the search for survivors continues, many are left hoping that more lives can be saved from the wreckage.
