Meteorologists warn of Catastrophic rains in the month of May.
NEWS: Members of Parliament have called on the government to establish temporary evacuation centers in districts for the residents in case of landslides ahead of the heavy rains expected in the Month of May.
The Legislator’s call follows the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) early warnings about the imminent risk of flash floods and landslides in Uganda, echoing concerns seen in neighboring countries.
Raising the matter on the floor of the Parliament the Opposite Chief Whip Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe said that the disaster occurrences including heavy rains, hailstorms and Wind experienced from the month of Feb to date has affected approximately 11500 households in Uganda.
He added that a number of homes are still submerged with most of their belongings including; Houses, Food crops, Livelihood, destroyed and as even cut off some social services.
Speaking to the media the Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees Hon. Lillian Aber said that Uganda is facing a Challenge of Human behaviors where people resort to constructing builds and practicing unfavorable activities in swamps hence blocking the flooding systems.
Hon. Min. Lillian Aber who is also District Woman Representative of Kitgum added that the Ministry will remain prepared and in case of a disaster occurrence they get on board to respond and ensure they prevent the negativity from going overboard.
She further explained how every district has the disaster Committee as an Emergency plan where the Meteorological department and the authority comes out with significant information that they disperse close to the entire country and is used as an early warning indicator.
Dr. Godwin Ayesiga a researcher from Uganda National Meteorological Authority UNMA said that citizens need to prepare for the worst case scenario as he attributes the heavy rains experienced, to the moisture coming in from Congo Basin, Indian Ocean, and the locally Moisture from Uganda’s’ lakes and of showers.
