Plan for the floods
Sep 15, 2011
There have been consistent reports of floods in various parts of the country. Last Friday, one person died and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed when a storm hit Rukiri subcounty in Ibanda district. Six villages were affected.
There have been consistent reports of floods in various parts of the country. Last Friday, one person died and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed when a storm hit Rukiri subcounty in Ibanda district. Six villages were affected.
Two days later on Sunday, six villages in Kyankwanzi district were also cut off after River Mpongo flooded at Kigambajege. Then yesterday, Uganda Prison authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of inmates in Ragem Prison in Wadelai subcounty in Nebbi district after floods destroyed the prison’s toilets and food.
The story is similar in other regions of the country; however, there is no communication from relevant government organs of their preparedness to address the problem. The biggest challenge is the rising temperatures in the last two years as a result of climate change. The temperatures are likely to cause floods leading to soil degradation, expansion of deserts and therefore, food insecurity.
Health problems are also likely to be witnessed as health facilities will be washed away by floods as in the case of Nebbi prison.
The disaster management department of the Government should come out and assure the public how they intend to mitigate the impending problem. The ministries of health and water and environment should equally outline their level of preparedness. The Government should be proactive and avoid a ‘firefighting’ approach to situations.
Immediate actions need to be put in place to mitigate climate change threats. Uganda should adopt a deliberate programme to massively invest in tree planting. Restoration of environment is very important for the future generations and food security. With Uganda’s population growing at 3.6%, agricultural production at only 2.3%, drought and disease resistant crops should be developed as a matter of urgency.
Two days later on Sunday, six villages in Kyankwanzi district were also cut off after River Mpongo flooded at Kigambajege. Then yesterday, Uganda Prison authorities ordered the immediate evacuation of inmates in Ragem Prison in Wadelai subcounty in Nebbi district after floods destroyed the prison’s toilets and food.
The story is similar in other regions of the country; however, there is no communication from relevant government organs of their preparedness to address the problem. The biggest challenge is the rising temperatures in the last two years as a result of climate change. The temperatures are likely to cause floods leading to soil degradation, expansion of deserts and therefore, food insecurity.
Health problems are also likely to be witnessed as health facilities will be washed away by floods as in the case of Nebbi prison.
The disaster management department of the Government should come out and assure the public how they intend to mitigate the impending problem. The ministries of health and water and environment should equally outline their level of preparedness. The Government should be proactive and avoid a ‘firefighting’ approach to situations.
Immediate actions need to be put in place to mitigate climate change threats. Uganda should adopt a deliberate programme to massively invest in tree planting. Restoration of environment is very important for the future generations and food security. With Uganda’s population growing at 3.6%, agricultural production at only 2.3%, drought and disease resistant crops should be developed as a matter of urgency.