This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Heavy rains in Eastern Uganda have caused widespread destruction, leaving 36 people dead and thousands homeless.
According to the Uganda Red Cross Society, rescue teams in Bundibugyo District have been working tirelessly to locate those still unaccounted for.
Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Musa Echweru revealed that the floods swept over 11 sub-counties, causing extensive damage.
Search and rescue operations have been hampered by the destruction of roads, making it difficult for aid to reach affected areas.
The worst-affected regions are Bugisu and Bundibugyo, near Ruwenzori Mountain.
Heavy rains have persisted in the last couple of days. Areas around the Mt. Elgon and Rwenzori have suffered adverse effects. In Video is #Bundibugyo today. @IFRCAfrica @opmdpm @Parliament_Ug @GovUganda epic.twitter.com/KZ8AXIVZMK — Uganda Red Cross Soc (@UgandaRedCross) December 8, 2019
As of December 8, 2019, the displaced have been forced to seek shelter in schools and nearby churches, with over 30 houses swept away by the floods and property buried in mudslides.
“Most likely Bubukwang transit center is going to house close to 700 people who are displaced in Bundibugyo,” said Irene Nakasita from the Ugandan Red Cross.
Minister Echweru also warned that the flood-affected areas are at risk of getting an outbreak of water-borne diseases, including cholera.
“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 has released funds for emergency drugs, inflatable boats, tarps, blankets, food, and repairing bridges.
Ugandan authorities expect the floods to recede in January.
