OTUKE, November 12, 2024 – Floods have wreaked havoc in Otuke district in Northern Uganda, affecting 9,303 households and leaving widespread destruction in their wake. Homes, crops, and infrastructure have been devastated, plunging local communities into a state of desperation and uncertainty.
Local leaders report that the floods have submerged an estimated 35,213 acres of crops, leaving the soil waterlogged and unfit for planting. Francis Obola, the LC5 Chairperson for Otuke district, identified the hardest-hit areas as Olilim Town Council, Ogwete, Ogor, Okwang, and Olilim subcounties.
“The situation is dire. People have lost their homes, crops, and essential facilities. The floodwaters have destroyed not only houses but also latrines and water sources,” Obola said, adding that the Uganda Red Cross [URC] conducted an assessment and confirmed 106 latrines as being destroyed while 62 community water sources were contaminated.
He further explained that many households had their latrines were destroyed, leaving people to resort to temporary ones dug on top of anthills due to the flooded grounds. The impact on agriculture has been equally severe, with crops such as sim-sim, cassava, maize, potatoes, peas, and sorghum completely wiped out, leaving communities without hope of a harvest this season.
“We are urgently calling on the Office of the Prime Minister and other humanitarian agencies to intervene and assist our people,” Obola said.
The URC and the Lira Rural Transformation Initiative [LRTI], a local community-based organisation, have recommended immediate support for those affected with essential items such as tarpaulins, mosquito nets, jerrycans, blankets, cooking utensils, and food supplies for the displaced.
They also urged the government to supply short-term seeds, including okra, cowpeas, eggplants, and spinach, to help those affected replant, as most of their crops have been destroyed.
Salim Obong, the Chief Director of LRTI, emphasised the need to evacuate families whose homes have been submerged to prevent further risks. “The floodwaters are still rising, and many homes are completely submerged. We must prioritise evacuating those most at risk,” Obong said.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of sensitising the affected communities on the risks associated with floods, urging the government and humanitarian organisations to provide information on how to prevent further damage.
He also recommended introducing bucket chlorination for drinking water, as a significant percentage of pit latrines and water points have been submerged, which could lead to an outbreak of waterborne diseases.
“The situation is critical. We need immediate intervention to prevent further health risks and to support these communities as they begin the long recovery process,” Obong added.
As the floods continue to cause devastation across the region, local leaders and humanitarian groups are calling for a coordinated response to provide relief to the affected communities and help them rebuild their lives.
https://thecooperator.news/pakwach-lake-albert-floods-submerge-homes-and-commercial-buildings/
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