At least 13 people have died in eastern Uganda following a series of devastating landslides that buried 40 homes across six villages, local officials confirmed on Thursday.
Rescue operations are still underway, and authorities fear the death toll could rise.
The Uganda Red Cross Society reported that 13 bodies have been recovered, but the rescue operation continues in the mountainous Bulambuli district, which is prone to landslides.
Newsweek has reached out to the Uganda Red Cross Society for comment via email.
Rescue Efforts Underway Amid Muddy Roads
Local authorities have stated that the death toll could climb as high as 30. Heavy rainfall late Wednesday night caused the landslides, which impacted homes and farmland.
A local journalist reported that officials have arranged for an excavator to assist with the rescue efforts.
However, rescue teams face significant challenges, as many roads remain blocked by mud, and rain continues to fall, slowing down the recovery process.
Rescue teams are prioritizing finding survivors while also trying to clear roads for more aid, but the situation remains dire in the hardest-hit areas.
Disaster Strikes a 50-Acre Area
The landslides affected an area of about 50 acres, including homesteads and agricultural land situated on a downhill slope.
The mountainous terrain makes the region particularly vulnerable to landslides, especially during the rainy season, which exacerbates the risk of further incidents.
The local government is working with relief agencies to assess the scale of the damage and provide emergency aid to the affected communities.
Some survivors are being moved to temporary shelters, though resources remain limited, and additional supplies are urgently needed.
Heavy Rain Cuts Off Major Roads
The Ugandan government has issued a disaster alert, with the Prime Minister's office warning that heavy rains across the country have also resulted in major road closures. Two rescue boats capsized Wednesday while attempting to assist in a rescue mission on the River Nile, where the Pakwach bridge had been submerged.
Relief efforts are ongoing, but the combination of difficult terrain, heavy rainfall, and limited access to affected areas continues to hinder progress.
Many survivors remain in urgent need of shelter and food, while authorities continue to monitor the situation for potential aftershocks and further landslides.
The government is also working to ensure that the affected areas receive adequate support in the coming days, with additional resources expected to arrive as the rescue operation intensifies.
This article includes additional reporting from The Associated Press
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