Landslides triggered by heavy downpour kill 8 in western Uganda

KAMPALA, UGANDA | Xinhua | At least eight people have been killed by landslides triggered by torrential rains in Uganda’s border district of Kasese on Thursday, a government official said on Friday.

Joe Walusimbi, resident district commissioner for Kasese, told Xinhua by telephone that landslides swept several areas in Kyarumba and Kyondo sub-counties, leaving eight people dead.

“We are trying our level best to advise the affected people in the affected areas to leave and relocate to safe places until the situation returns to normal,” said Walusimbi.

“We have informed the Office of the Prime Minister for guidance,” he said.

Local media reported that the landslides claimed 13 lives in Kasese, a district that borders the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At least four family members were killed and two others injured last week on Thursday after a landslide triggered by torrential rains hit the neighbouring Bunyangabu district.

The Uganda National Meteorological Authority has warned of enhanced rainfall over several parts of the country that could cause disasters such as landslides and floods. ■