5 dead, several missing as floods hit western Uganda

KAMPALA, Uganda

Five people were killed and many others went missing after floods hit western Uganda Monday night, Uganda Red Cross said Tuesday.

Uganda Red Cross spokeswoman Irene Nakasita said floods caused by heavy rains in Kisoro district in Western Uganda swept away many houses and caused destruction.

Water gushed down from Mount Mahabura, sweeping many houses and causing destruction, she said, adding so far five people have been confirmed dead while many are still missing.

A joint rescue and search operation by the local government and relief agencies is underway in the affected area, she said, noting some roads have been made inaccessible due to heavy stones and mud caused by flooding.

Area environment officer Benjamin Agaba said the floods are caused by climate change brought about by indiscriminate cutting down of trees in the district.