13 people have been killed and 100 others have been injured following a heavy rain and hail storm in Buyende district, Uganda. The unusual weather ravaged the villages of Kabugudo, Nabweyo, and Nakabembe between 8:00 pm and 10:30pm on Sunday, April 21, 2019. Most of the deceased were swept away by floods into nearby swamps where they drowned.
The storm swept away 300 homes and residents have found refuge at Kidera health centre IV. Survivors were transferred either to Kidera health centre IV or Kamuli general hospital respectively.
A victim explains she decided to lock herself in her house. However, in no time, she saw her rooftop shaking and on her way out, it felt on her head.
Another injured man explained his three sons and wife had been transferred to Kamuli hospital after sustaining injuries.
“I was not at home when the storm struck, but I came back only to find the entire house flooded, and my wife together with the children were almost drowning, so I rushed them to Kamuli general hospital for further management,” he said.
Abdul Mulawa, the Buyende district police commander, says that the search is on to recover bodies of missing persons in the three villages. Mulawa further advised residents to shift from lake shores which have proven to be prone to heavy storms. Robert Musoke, the member of parliament for Budiope West, has asked the government and all volonteers to come and help rescuing the affected residents.
