More than 8 dead, hundreds displaced as flash floods hit capital Kampala, Uganda

Heavy rains and flash floods are affecting parts of Uganda, including capital Kampala, over the past couple of days.

According to information provided by Uganda Red Cross (URC), a number of areas were flooded, roads cut off and a lot of property destructed.

Over eight people are believed to have lost their lives in the areas of Kikajjo, Lubowa and Lufuka all located in Masajja and Bunamwaya divisions, suburbs of capital Kampala.

Over 500 households were affected and many people displaced.

The worst affected villages include Lubowa, Lufuka, Kazinga, Wakulekana, Buzali, Masajja Kibira B, Lwasa, Kabuma, Katongo, Kikajjo, Katwe, Makindye Ssabagabo among others.

"The flash floods have had a devastating effect on the lives of people, livestock, businesses, household items and has affected human settlement," URC said. "Many people have been displaced while others have had to move to neighboring villages for shelter with relatives and close friends. Schools too have been affected and this has an impact on the education of children in the affected areas."

Children are at risk of contracting diseases like pneumonia, cholera and other viral and bacterial infections through this season as heavy rains continue, URC warned.

Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS. Acquired May 28, 2019