JOHANNESBURG, South Africa

At least 30 people are feared dead after mudslides triggered by heavy rains struck several villages in eastern Uganda, local media reported Wednesday.

Uganda's Daily Monitor publication quoted Gerald Fungo, a local village official from one of the affected villages, as saying a number of people are believed to be buried under the soggy soils.

According to reports, the tragedy occurred on Tuesday evening after five hours of heavy rains in Bududa district which triggered floods sweeping through several homes and gardens.

The district which is near mountains is prone to landslides. In 2010, landslides killed at least 100 people.