At least 13 people have been confirmed dead following a devastating landslide in eastern Uganda, with fears that the death toll could rise significantly as over 40 houses were swept away.
Triggered by days of relentless heavy rainfall, the landslide affected several villages in Bulambuli district, approximately 280 kilometers (178 miles) from the capital, Kampala. The Ugandan Red Cross Society confirmed the fatalities but warned that the number of casualties could climb to as many as 30.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Red Cross stated that rescue operations are ongoing, but dozens of residents remain missing. According to the Daily Monitor, most of the recovered bodies have been children.
The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the region, where the overflowing riverbanks have caused widespread destruction. Schools, churches, and bridges have been flooded, leaving entire communities isolated.
On Wednesday, Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister issued a disaster warning, cautioning against the escalating risks posed by the unyielding rains. In response, the military has been deployed to assist with search and recovery operations as the nation grapples with the scale of the tragedy.
