editor
A serene evening turned tragic in eastern Uganda as landslides engulfed five villages, leaving behind a grim scene of loss and devastation.
The disaster, fueled by days of relentless rain, has claimed 15 lives and left more than 100 people unaccounted for.
The hardest-hit village, Masugu, bore the brunt of the landslide. Families are reeling from the loss, with many digging through the debris in desperate hope. “We’ve lost everything,” one villager sobbed, as community members worked together to uncover buried homes.
Local authorities, overwhelmed by the scale of destruction, have confirmed that 45 houses in Masugu were completely buried. Among the recovered bodies was that of a baby, highlighting the tragedy’s toll on families.
Read More; Ginger Prices in Moshi Surge Amidst Drought
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja offered a grim prognosis, saying that the missing are presumed dead. “We are doing everything we can to retrieve the bodies and bring closure to the families,” she said.
Rescue operations have been painfully slow due to impassable roads, forcing emergency workers to trek long distances with limited equipment. A video shared by the Red Cross captured the heart-wrenching scene of villagers clawing through the earth as women wailed nearby.
This landslide is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Uganda’s hilly regions during the rainy season. As the country grapples with the aftermath, there’s an urgent need to address disaster preparedness and support for affected communities.
