
Western Uganda. The Saturday September 7, 2024 floods that hit parts of Kasese municipality have claimed two lives after River Nyamwamba burst its banks, affecting residents especially in Nyamwamba division.
”Tragic floods in Kasese Municipality affecting at least 4 villages in Nyamwamba Division. It is estimated that 1000 households have been affected by flash floods with over 250 households submerged. It is feared that one lady has drowned. Response Action Teams (RCATs) and the District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) are conducting a rapid assessment to have a detailed situational report,” Uganda Red Cross statement. The flash floods are as a result of a heavy downpour.
The Rwenzori East Police Spokesperson, Nelson Tumushiime has confirmed that a body of man and woman have been retrieved from separate locations after they were swept by the running water as they attempted to cross the flooded areas. He noted that the fire and rescue team is on ground to help all people who are believed to be trapped in Kilembe Sub County areas.
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Police has called upon people especially those leaving close to the river banks to vacate to safer places as more rains are expected. Kasese has been prone to flooding. In May, the community was put in panic after water entered their homes in the night after River Nyamwamba burst its banks. Local environmentalists have now called for sustainable interventions to mitigate the consequences, with these disasters being attributed to environmental degradation and urban planning gaps.