Four people have been confirmed dead and dozens more are still missing after River Lhubiriha that connects Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) burst its banks Thursday morning, sweeping away three major bridges.
This is the third devastating weather incident to hit Kasese district in less than two weeks after rivers Nyamwamba , Mubuku and Nyamugasani recently burst their banks, leaving destruction in their wake.
According to Kasese deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Joshua Masereka, the four confirmed dead were from the same family.
”We can only account for four people, all from the same family, but we cannot say those are the only fatalities since the flooding is still too much,” Masereka said.
He noted that the deceased were all killed by a landslide that happened in Buhalirwa village, Kiraro Parish, Kitholhu sub-county.
Masereka revealed that the UPDF had come in to help with rescue efforts and advised residents of the affected areas to vacate them immediately.
“The UPDF has taken over whole valley, and we are relying on them to rescue any people that may be trapped.”
The Chairperson of the Mpondwe –Lhubiriha Town Council, Selvester Mapoze said that the floods, which came around 7:00am, had destroyed crops, houses and other property, in addition to claiming lives. He appealed for government’s help in dealing with the situation.
”So far, four people from Kitholhu, a UPDF soldier and another man from Isango have lost their lives. We appeal to government to come to our rescue as we save our people otherwise the situation is not good,” Mapoze said.
A UPDF officer who was rescued from the flooded Lhubiriha River told his ordeal:
“There were four of us here. Two managed to climb a tree, but another one was taken by the water. I survived narrowly after pulling my rope and calling on my officers for help,” he narrated.
Meanwhile, residents are worried as reports indicate that rivers Nyamwamba , Nyamugasani and Mubuku have started filling up again.
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