Heavy rain destroys houses in Sironko district

SIRONKO, May 20, 2024 – Several families in three sub-counties in Sironko district are out in the cold following heavy rains that continue to pound Bugisu Subregion.

The heavy rain, characterised by strong winds and hailstorms, started pounding the area around 4:00 pm on Tuesday and lasted for close to three hours.

The rain destroyed houses and several acres of crops. The most affected sub-counties are Mafudu, Sironko town council, and Buwalasi.

Moses Gidudu whose house was destroyed, said the rain also destroyed banana and coffee plantations.

He is worried that he may fail to raise school fees for their children, and have food since the banana and coffee plantations they were depending on are no more.

Patrick Munyalo, Mafudu Sub-county LCIII Chairperson, said that the disaster has greatly affected, fearing that soon poverty will strike.

He said they are currently profiling the affected people and forward the list to the Office of the Prime Minister for assistance.

He said at the moment most of the affected families have taken shelter at the nearby churches while others are sleeping under trees.

Munyalo identified the most hit parishes as Bugwanyi and Budege.

He adds that in Bugwanyi parish alone, three houses have been completely demolished while 17 were de-roofed.

In Budege parish, seven houses were also totally destroyed leaving people with nowhere to sleep.

Munyalo also says all crops like bananas, maize, cassava, beans, and trees among others were also totally destroyed.

Samuel Wetaka and Sarah Mudenga from Buwalasi Subcounty say that they are lacking where to stay with their family members urging government to intervene.

They add that they expect serious hunger in future after their crops all got destroyed urging the district through its disaster management team to support them.

Meanwhile, IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre [ICPAC], the Meteorological Organisation announced that the June to September 2024 seasonal forecast shows an increased likelihood of above-normal rainfall over most parts of the Greater Horn of Africa [GHA]. The areas expected to experience these above-normal conditions include Djibouti, Eritrea, central and northern Ethiopia, western and coastal Kenya, much of Uganda, South Sudan, and Sudan.

According to Dr Guleid Artan, ICPAC’s Director, “The Greater Horn of Africa [GHA] stands as a region that is highly susceptible to the adverse impacts of climate change, which pose significant challenges to the resilience of our communities. The forecasted wetter-than-normal conditions for June to September 2024 echo the patterns of 1998 and 2010, highlighting the level of impact, especially for South Sudan and Sudan, which may experience the impact of floods.”

He added: As we observe these recurring extreme climate events, it is important to acknowledge the pivotal role played by early warning systems, which serve as key instruments of preparedness and guide us through climate variability. Through our operations, ICPAC continues to provide actionable climate information that is relevant and key for Early Action.”

https://thecooperator.news/sironko-over-12-pdm-saccos-miss-pdm-cash/

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