04 May 2023 | 06:08 AM UTC
Uganda: Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing in Kasese, Kisoro, Mbale, Oyam, and Rukungiri districts as of early May 4 /update 1
Disruptions due to severe weather ongoing in multiple districts of Uganda as of early May 4; casualties and damage reported.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across multiple districts in Uganda as of early May 4 following severe weather in recent days. Heavy rainfall and storms have caused flooding, landslides, and property damage in Kasese, Kisoro, Mbale, Oyam, and Rukungiri districts. In Kisoro District in Murora Sub-County, authorities have confirmed five fatalities in Biizi village and another death in Gihuyaga village due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Reports also indicate at least one injury. Additionally, heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides in parts of Kasese District May 1, leading to at least one fatality in Bughendero and damaging at least 26 homes across the district. Authorities reported three fatalities after heavy rainfall caused the Rushaya River to overflow in Rukungiri District April 29; seven others managed to survive being swept away by the floodwaters.
A severe hailstorm damaged dozens of homes in Oyam District late April 28. Flooding in Bushikori Parish in Mbale District led to one fatality and damaged several homes. Authorities reported one fatality and three others missing after the Muhokya River burst its banks April 24. The Kyanzutsu and Nyamwamba rivers in Kasese District also broke their banks, damaging homes in Mahango and Kyanjuki.
Further rainfall and thunderstorms are likely during the remainder of the rainy season through May. Forecasts indicate a near or below-normal rainy season across much of Uganda; however, near or above-normal rainfall amounts are likely in parts of central and southwestern Uganda and areas in the Lake Victoria basin. Further downpours could trigger further flooding and hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood- and landslide-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
