Panic as floods surge towards Obongi Town

Obongi district authorities are calling for a mandatory evacuation of people living along the banks of the Albert Nile as floods advance towards Obongi Town Council.

Unrelenting rain has in recent days triggered floods and the waters continue to occupy homes and farmlands as well as devastating public infrastructure.

Gore Goffin the Obongi Resident District Commissioner, described the situation as "in control, but steadily getting out of hand".

He urged the government and other relief agencies to intervene.

By Monday morning, water continues to advance towards Obongi Town cutting across three parishes submerging the main mosque, and displacing over five hundred people.

The entire Palorinya and parts of Itula sub-counties have also been cut off from the rest of Obongi district and effectively halting relief activities for refugee settlements in the area.

Goffin says an impact assessment report has been compiled by the district disaster committee and has already been submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister for support.

The government also last week concluded mass vaccination for cholera to avert a potential outbreak of water-borne diseases after floods have destroyed sanitary facilities in homes.

Floods are wreaking havoc in the neighbouring Adjumani and Moyo districts with the entire Elegu border town sitting in water on Sunday.