Aug 16, 2024, 3:34 PM
Aug 16, 2024, 3:34 PM

Devastating Garbage Landslide in Uganda

Tragic
Highlights
  • Four more bodies have been recovered from the site of a massive garbage landslide in Kampala, Uganda.
  • The death toll has risen to 34 as a result of the tragic event.
  • The authorities are working to manage the aftermath of the disaster.
Story

KAMPALA, Uganda – The death toll from a devastating garbage landslide in Kampala has reached 34, following the recovery of four additional bodies from the Kiteezi landfill site, police confirmed on Friday. The tragic incident, which occurred over the weekend, buried numerous individuals, homes, and livestock under heaps of waste. Authorities are continuing their search for victims, although recovery efforts have been hampered by flooding at the site. Kampala Metropolitan police spokesman Patrick Onyango reported that the recovery operations are ongoing, despite challenges posed by adverse weather conditions. Among the bodies recovered was that of Abdul Nasir, a man who had been missing since 2022. The number of individuals reported missing has decreased to 35, down from an earlier count of 39, but local officials express concern that the actual number of missing persons may be significantly higher. Muwada Nkunyingi, the shadow foreign affairs minister and local MP, indicated that community reports suggest the death toll could rise to as many as 100, as families continue to search for their loved ones. The situation has prompted urgent calls for action, with Nkunyingi emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the disaster. Kampala city mayor Erias Lukwago has labeled the landslide a “national disaster,” highlighting the long-standing risks associated with the landfill, which has been operational since 1996 and serves as the primary waste disposal site for the city. The region has recently experienced heavy rainfall, exacerbating the situation.

Opinions

You've reached the end