At least 113 people are missing following a series of powerful landslides that struck the eastern region of Uganda, burying homes and causing widespread destruction. The disaster, which occurred in the mountainous districts of Bududa and Sironko, has left communities reeling, with rescue teams working around the clock to search for survivors.
The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall over several days, swept through villages, demolishing homes, roads, and crops. Local authorities have confirmed that several houses were completely buried, and many more were damaged beyond repair.
We are doing everything we can to locate the missing, but the situation is dire, said a government official at the scene. The landslides have destroyed entire villages, and many families have been displaced.
Hundreds of volunteers, soldiers, and emergency responders have been mobilized to assist with the rescue efforts, but challenging terrain and continuous rainfall have made search operations difficult.
Survivors described the terrifying moments when the earth suddenly gave way, with many scrambling to escape as the ground shifted beneath their feet. It was like the mountain had collapsed on us, said one witness, still in shock.
The Ugandan government has declared the area a disaster zone, and emergency relief is being provided to those affected. However, local authorities are concerned that the heavy rains could cause further landslides in the coming days, complicating rescue efforts.
The region, known for its vulnerability to landslides, has faced similar disasters in the past, but this latest tragedy has shocked both local residents and officials. As the search continues, the community is bracing for the possibility that the number of casualties may rise.
Aid organizations have called for increased support to help the survivors, who now face the loss of homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. The full scale of the disaster is still being assessed, and the recovery process is expected to take months, if not longer.
