Rivers Nile and Tangi have busted their banks, causing flooding on the Pakwach-Karuma road. The rising waters have swept away a taxi, with two rescue boats.
The flooding has left thousands of residents stranded and supply chains to West Nile is disrupted.
In the incident a taxi carrying passengers, including young children, became trapped in the surging floodwaters. The vehicle teeters dangerously, with each passing moment increasing the risk of it being swept away by the powerful current.
Tangi river flooded at Pakwach due to heavy rain and as a taxi driver was attempting to cross, the vehicle got stuck and later swept away by the waters. Attempts to rescue the team only saw three people rescued as others were taken by water.
“Only two children and a woman survived plus a UPDF rescuer who had a life jack. Another boat that came to rescue was also swept away. we left people hanging on the car hoping for rescue” an eye witness told Eagle Online
Calls for immediate intervention have been made, with many urging authorities to deploy an army helicopter from Gulu to conduct a swift and life-saving evacuation. Experts estimate that the helicopter could reach the site within minutes, potentially averting a catastrophic tragedy.
“An army helicopter from Gulu could save them in minutes. Who can help pull the strings for this to happen?”
Eyewitnesses describe the scene as harrowing, with passengers clinging to the vehicle as the water level rises. “We can see them waving for help. The current is strong, and the vehicle could be swept away any time,” a resident of Pakwach.
Apparently, Karuma-Pakwach bridge is closed to all traffic and also, the West Nile region is now cut off from the rest of the country.
