UgandAshis 74 Budada landslides

UgandAshis 74 Budada landslide

While the world mourns for Chili and Haiti nature struck in Uganda as well. Near the Kenyan border on the slopes of Mount Elgon three hamlets were swept away. This is day three of the search, rescue and evacuate mission. So far there are 81 deaths, 340 residents unaccounted for and 6000 still at risk for further landslides and outbreaks of cholera. I many cases there is nobody remaining form the family to participate in the funerals.
To cater to the at risk population temporary refugee camps are set up and the government is forcing residents to leave the area as smaller landslides are still taking place.
The causes of the slide are manifold: deforestation, over grazing, building on steep slopes, climate change. There is an emergency response set up in Uganda and Red Cross, Army and civilians are working close together. It is estimated seventeen million dollar is needed to address the regions needs. So far an emergency $100.000 has been released by the government.
There is a huge benefit of living on vulcanic ground, steep slopes world wide. To a certain extent one can understand why people live a high risk lifestyle. Yet at the same time farming methodology (slash and burn, deforesting the entire slope) puts lives at risk. These are sad days for Uganda and the inhabitants in Budada. Sadly the lessons will likely not be heeded and similar situations will take place very soon.

Namaskar,

Ashis Brahma

250 words Uganda