More than 400 face starvation after hailstorm in Kisoro

Sep 24, 2020

Heavy rains destroyed crops and buildings in Rubuguri sub-county, leaving three villages devastated.

At least 445 people in 65 households are likely to starve following a hailstorm that ravaged villages Kisoro district on Wednesday.

Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) spokesperson Irene Nakasiita said on Wednesday that heavy rains destroyed crops and buildings in Rubuguri sub-county, leaving three villages devastated.

The affected villages include Rushaga, Higabiro, and Kasheija.

"Affected residents are in fear that if this continues they won't be able to harvest anything from their gardens this season," Nakasiita said.

A house which was affected by the hailstorm. Photos by URCS

One of the houses affected by the hailstorm in Kisoro. Photo by URCS

"Prim Rose Natukunda, URCS branch manager for Kisoro has expressed fear that families already affected by the effects of the COVID-19 situation in the country are likely to suffer the double tragedy of famine and hunger amidst the tough times," she added.

However, Nakasiita said through their food security programming, they would consider giving out seeds to the affected families to plant in the next season.