At least 16 people have been killed by landslides caused by heavy rains on Tuesday morning in Bundibugyo, Rwenzori region officials say.
Most of the victims are mostly children, reports from Humya village in Bukonzo Sub County say. More than 50 injured residents are admitted at Bundibugyo Hospital.
EagleOnline was told the downpours that started at 4.00am have also destroyed more than 210 homes and damaged infrastructure across the district, especially in areas of Bukhonzo, Humya, Bubukwanga and Bumadu.
According to Bundibugyo RDC, Godfrey Mucunguzi, there have been a number of deadly mudslides since last year in Rwenzori area with several infrastructures including bridges, roads, water system have been devastated.
The densely populated region on the foot of Mountain Rwenzori is made up of hills and valleys, and erosion is a problem.
Authorities have blamed the El Nino weather phenomenon for a much heavier rainy season in the region. Vast gardens of coffee, banana and maize remained blanketed white with hailstones as dense cumulonimbus clouds drifted in the mountainous expanse, a warning sign of likely more rains and associated hazard.
Volunteers and Uganda Red Cross staff are reported on ground to help in rescue efforts whereas its unclear whether the ministry of Health has already dispatched a team of different health professionals to do on-the-ground assessment and determine first-line of emergency response.
In recent years, the government has moved some people out of areas designated as high risk like the eastern Bududa District.
