Two dead, twelve missing in Buliisa storm

Two people have been confirmed dead, one injured and 12 more reportedly missing after a devastating storm in Walukuba village, Butiaba Sub-County, Buliisa district along the Lake Albert shores.

The storm occurred at 1AM on Tuesday morning, lasting two hours. Several houses and public places, including Nyamukuta Police Post and Butiaba Health Centre III's roofs were blown off by the storm. Hundreds of residents were left without shelter.

John Rutagira, the Buliisa District Police Commander only identified the deceased as 45-year-old Joram and a one-year -old child, whose bodies were recovered from the waters.

He revealed that Lambert Ovunji, a Special Police Constable attached to Nyamukuta Police Post was injured in the storm. He was cut by falling iron sheets and sustained injuries on both hands.

Rutagira added that the SPC was treated for the wounds sustained.

However, he said that details were still scanty as police is still on ground to gather more facts and search for the dead or survivors.

There were reports that some boats and fishing canoes in the water at the time and were swept by the storm.

Unconfirmed reports indicate that a canoe that had set off from Nkondo landing site in Buseruka sub county in Hoima district that had over 10 people aboard loaded with tons of fish was also swept by the storm.

Rutagira said the number of the dead could rise, as the search continues. He revealed that several people ran for shelter during the storm and police has recorded them as missing persons.

Other facilities affected by the storm, include Butiaba Primary School, one block at Butiaba Seed Secondary School, Nyamukuta Primary School and Walukuba Church of Uganda.

Buliisa Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Peter Bisoborwa said in a phone interview that his office is assessing the situation for a report to Office of the Prime Minister for intervention.

Bisoborwa said the disaster is beyond the district to handle.

Charles Okello, the chairman Walukuba Village said over 20 houses had their roofs blown off in his village.

He said residents have nowhere to sleep. Storms are a common phenomenon on water bodies, but Okello adds that this was the worst ever.

Rutagira said by press time that the affected residents were trying to put up temporary shelters.