Rescue workers are still pulling bodies from the mud and wreckage in Uganda’s Sebei region after days of relentless rainfall in the Elgon highlands triggered massive landslides between October 30 and November 1.
The Uganda Red Cross Society, leading the recovery mission, says hope of finding any more survivors is fading, even as distressed families continue reporting missing loved ones.
More manpower has been deployed, including army and police teams, but constant rainfall is making the search slow and extremely difficult.
“As of now, they are using basic tools. There’s urgent need for more manpower because if residents say about 19 bodies are still buried and we’ve only recovered two, that leaves nearly 17 still trapped beneath the mud.
Under the coordination of the Office of the Prime Minister, we will do whatever it takes to help retrieve the bodies,” said John Cliff Wamala of the Uganda Red Cross Society.
The government has offered about 1,500 U.S. dollars to each affected family to support burial costs.
Meanwhile, hundreds of survivors who lost their homes are being housed in temporary shelters as plans are made to relocate them to safer areas.
However, the danger is far from over, more heavy rains are expected in the coming weeks, and authorities warn of possible new landslides.
