29 Sep 2017 | 12:50 PM UTC
Uganda: Deadly flooding in southwest
As of September 29, at least 13 people were killed due to flooding affecting the southwestern area of the country; further rain forecast
Event
At least 13 people have been killed by floods prompted by torrential rains in the southwestern village of Nfasha as of Friday, September 29; numerous other people are believed to be missing. Furthermore, the flooding caused several houses to collapse. The situation may worsen as further rain is forecast for the coming days.
Context
The rolling landscape of the Great Lakes region is prone to landslides during periods of rain, which pose a constant threat to the population living on mountain slopes.
Advice
Individuals present in areas affected by heavy rains are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities and to monitor the situation via local media and weather reporting outlets. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.
