Severe floods hit Uganda, claiming at least 5 lives

Flash floods caused by torrential rains result in 5 casualties in Eastern Uganda's Bulambuli district on August 28 and 29, 2019. The storms triggered the swelling of a river that swept away the victims who were reportedly buried under mud.

"Relatives of the people suspected to have been buried under mud across over 800 meters (2 600 feet) have been desperately trying to recover the bodies," stated James Ingoi, Bulambuli's acting deputy chief administrative officer and disaster management committee chairman.

Torrential rains also damaged the area's coffee and banana plantations, Ingoi added.

According to Africa News, one of the victims reportedly killed was a 65-year-old man who was trapped in the ruins of his ravaged home as a result of non-stop five-hour rainfall.

Injured victims were sent to the general clinic of Bulago to recover.

Authorities have already issued an evacuation notice to affected residents.

Earlier this week, severe floods hit other parts of the country, including Elegu in Northern Region, whose residents asked the government for immediate help.

Featured image credit: NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP/VIIRS. Acquired August 29, 2019