Landslides hit Kisoro, Kabale
Mar 05, 2010
Kisoro district suffered two landslides in the last few days, according to deputy resident district commissioner, Gideon Aheebwa.
By Anne Mugisa, Attractor Kamahoro and Darius Magara
Kisoro district suffered two landslides in the last few days, according to deputy resident district commissioner, Gideon Aheebwa.
Nyabisyenya and Murora sub-counties were hit on Wednesday, Aheebwa said. No one was killed but crops were destroyed, he added.
Kabale deputy RDC Shafiq Ssekandi also said landslides hit Rubaya and Butanda sub-counties. Some 15 houses were affected and the Rubaya-Katuna road was cut off.
The water and environment ministry said floods were likely to occur in central, eastern and western Uganda. State minister for environment Jennipher Namuyangu yesterday advised communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to shift to higher grounds.
“Those responsible for relief are advised to prepare for possible flooding in the high-risk regions,†Namuyangu said at a press briefing at the Media Centre.
The minister, who was flanked by weather experts, said scientists had predicted strong gusty winds, hailstorms and lightning as the El Nino rains continue to hammer the country.
“Appropriate action should be taken to avoid loss of life and destruction of infrastructure,†Namuyangu advised.
The minister said water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid may also occur. She asked the health ministry to equip hospitals and health centres with drugs.
She also warned motorists to take extra care where flooding occurs.
Despite this gloomy outlook, Namuyangu said El-Nino rains will bring some benefits such as increased agricultural output as the soil moisture will be higher.
“The regions that are expecting normal to above normal rainfall should use this chance to improve agricultural activities. The farmers are advised to make use of this season by planting enough food that will also cater for drought-stricken areas,†she said.
She said the rains will also enhance the potential for hydro-electricity generation because of the increased water volumes.
Kisoro district suffered two landslides in the last few days, according to deputy resident district commissioner, Gideon Aheebwa.
Nyabisyenya and Murora sub-counties were hit on Wednesday, Aheebwa said. No one was killed but crops were destroyed, he added.
Kabale deputy RDC Shafiq Ssekandi also said landslides hit Rubaya and Butanda sub-counties. Some 15 houses were affected and the Rubaya-Katuna road was cut off.
The water and environment ministry said floods were likely to occur in central, eastern and western Uganda. State minister for environment Jennipher Namuyangu yesterday advised communities living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to shift to higher grounds.
“Those responsible for relief are advised to prepare for possible flooding in the high-risk regions,†Namuyangu said at a press briefing at the Media Centre.
The minister, who was flanked by weather experts, said scientists had predicted strong gusty winds, hailstorms and lightning as the El Nino rains continue to hammer the country.
“Appropriate action should be taken to avoid loss of life and destruction of infrastructure,†Namuyangu advised.
The minister said water-borne diseases like cholera and typhoid may also occur. She asked the health ministry to equip hospitals and health centres with drugs.
She also warned motorists to take extra care where flooding occurs.
Despite this gloomy outlook, Namuyangu said El-Nino rains will bring some benefits such as increased agricultural output as the soil moisture will be higher.
“The regions that are expecting normal to above normal rainfall should use this chance to improve agricultural activities. The farmers are advised to make use of this season by planting enough food that will also cater for drought-stricken areas,†she said.
She said the rains will also enhance the potential for hydro-electricity generation because of the increased water volumes.