At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more are feared missing, following a devastating landslide in eastern Uganda’s Bulambuli district.
Heavy rainfall triggered the disaster, which swept away at least 40 houses across several villages, leaving rescue workers scrambling to save survivors.
The Ugandan Red Cross Society reported the confirmed deaths on social media platform X, but news agency AFP suggests the toll could rise to as many as 30. Many of the recovered bodies are children, according to local newspaper Daily Monitor.
The landslide, occurring roughly 280 km (178 miles) from the capital Kampala, is part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting East Africa.
Days of torrential rain have caused rivers to burst their banks, submerging schools and churches, destroying infrastructure, and isolating communities.
On Wednesday, Uganda’s Office of the Prime Minister issued a disaster warning, pointing out the escalating risks posed by the relentless rainfall.
The Ugandan military has joined the rescue and recovery efforts, which remain challenging due to the unstable terrain and continuing downpours.
Dozens of people remain unaccounted for, and the death toll is expected to rise as the operation continues.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate where possible, as the region braces for more rain in the coming days.