Uganda has told 300,000 people living on the slopes of Mount Elgon they will be immediately moved because of the risk of mudslides.
Last week, homes, schools and villages were swallowed by fast-moving walls of mud.
Another 200,000 people living in the west, near the Ruwenzori mountains, are also expected to be told that they will also be forced from their homes for their own safety.
The government has said the measures have been taken following the deaths of the people who died last week when mud enveloped communities on the slopes of Mount Elgon.
The deadly mudslides have been a call for the government to relocate the people before there is a repeat of the disaster in dangerous areas to the east of the country.
Uganda has one of the highest population growth rates in the world, causing trees to be felled on mountainsides as people make way for houses and agriculture, leading to erosion and mudslides.
| By MIRANDA26Georgette, 03-08-10, 11:44 PM |
500,000 Ugandans to be moved over mudslide riskCars and houses are expensive and not everybody is able to buy it. However, <a href= |
| By kezia, 03-09-10, 01:34 AM |
Quick action required!The Ugandan government should act faster in relocating the endangered population of Bududa. It should not wait for the UN or other international relief organizations to do so but rather show initiative in rescuing their own work force.
Bududa is one of most fertile and productive lands in Uganda producing alot of food crops for both subsistence and trade within the region. The sooner they are helped to cope with the tragedy (by the government and joint initiatives), the better for the continued productivity of population. |
