Eastern Uganda hit by devastating landslides

As you may have seen in the news last week, Uganda has been hit by devastating landslides. The disaster occurred in the Bududa district, in the eastern region of the country.

Send a Cow does not work directly with any groups in this area, but we are very saddened to hear of the tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. The number of fatalities reached 90, but then the government called off the search and the area was declared a mass grave, so the actual death toll will be much higher.

More than 340 residents of three hamlets on the slopes of Mount Elgon were swept away by the landslide and remain unaccounted for. Beyond this number, the mudslides and resultant floods have affected over half a million people, many of whom are being forced to relocate. There have also been reported outbreaks of dysentery and cholera. The unstable terrain has made access to medical care near impossible.

With government resources being directed to help those most affected by the mudslides, the rest of the country, including our groups, may not have access to the basic services they need. We are doing all we can to support the people of Uganda during these difficult times.

As reported by All Africa a senior meteorologist has predicted that most of the country is expected to have above normal rains for the rest of the season and has warned of more landslides and flooding this year, which will undoubtedly extend the emergency. Uganda has one of the highest population growth rates in the world and as people inhabit the mountainous areas, they clear trees to make way for farming, increasing the likelihood of mudslides and flooding.

Here at Send a Cow, we understand the devastating effects of climate change, and how it is felt most ferociously by those who live off the earth for their daily food – which is about 70% of those who live in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Climate change is causing the degradation of soil, the collapse of ecosystems, and more extreme weather patters including severe flooding and droughts. Pressure has increased on natural resources as farmers struggle to fight against these effects. Our work teaches sustainable farming practices that maintain healthy soils and are good for the environment. We also teach techniques which help to mitigate against severe climate conditions such as water harvesting, to provide a steady supply of water throughout drought.

The Ugandan landslides highlight the disastrous consequences of our changing climate. We need to work together to save our planet and the lives of the millions of people who are suffering every day at the hands of climate change.