Severe hailstorm destroys 500 homes in Namutumba, Uganda
Hailstorms ruined around 500 residential properties, leaving thousands of residents homeless across eight parishes in Namutumba District, Uganda, reports said on September 25, 2019.
The parishes were Budunda, Mpumiro, Nalubabwe, Kizuba, Nakawano, Namuseno, Nawandagala and Buyoboya, all in Bulange Sub-county.
Intense rains reportedly began 06:00 LT on September 22, which took more than three hours to weaken down. The harsh downpour also caused damage in crops, killing livestock.
Households affected by the violent weather took refuge in churches and schools. According to Mwammad Mubale, a Buyoboya local, schools have been forced to temporarily close to accommodate victims "as they wait to renovate their houses which were razed by wind."
Meanwhile, a resident from Budunda named Bumali Muyinda pointed out that there were no trees to stop the storms, linking the destruction to widespread deforestation.
The primary campus kitchen at Rising Star in Uganda nearly collapsed in a storm last week!
Thankfully, people rallied their donations and they've already begun building a permanent kitchen!!
Soon, they will have a safe and functional kitchen to prepare 1,000+ meals a day! pic.twitter.com/3OZX35My85
— Joel Dunn (@therealjoeldunn) September 25, 2019
District Chairperson Saleh Kumbuga prompted residents about probably food shortage, saying, "time for planting has elapsed and it is now time for weeding."
He called to government officials for assistance, "I appeal to the government to help people with iron sheets and seeds for tree planting which will in future act as windbreakers."
As of September 27, Uganda is still experiencing thunderstorms and 72% humidity.
Just earlier this year, the same event occurred when a hailstorm tore off roofs of about 40 houses and ravaged crops in the city.
Featured image credit: softpowernews
I live in Ottawa, Canada which is known for cold weather. We are experiencing colder weather, with more snow (up to 10ft), than we have had in 50yrs. I expect up to 15ft of snow this year based on records from 130yrs ago. We have already broken up to 130yr temp records this year, both hot and cold. We have also, in 2 out of 3 yrs, broken all flood records, going back 200+yrs, for the Ottawa river valley and I expect next spring to bring a disaster, if not a catastrophe, less than a half mile from where I live on the 2,000 yr river bank. It is about 90ft above the present river height. Having studied the weather, as any farmer would, my whole life, and weather modification also, I adamantly refute the Climate Change/Global Warming mantra. Thank you, Julie, for your important work. Bless your pantry and you too.