More 31 households have joined the Buwangwa camp (Buwangwa Primary School) as heavy rains continue to displace people in Busaano subcounty, Mbale district.
The population now is close to 567 from 81 families.
This follows the landslide that killed one and destroyed property and houses on Sunday.
One male (Michael Mukhaali, believed to be between 40 -45yrs) died after his house was completely destroyed and covered under the mud.
According to Uganda Redcross, about seven villages are affected by the heavy rain and their teams are supporting the assessment process.
“Mothers and children are affected most with huge needs ranging from lack of warm clothes, food, and all basic needs for them to cope with the bad weather amidst displacement,” says Irene Nakasiita the Communications & Public Relations Coordinator- Uganda Redcross
Nakasiita notes that they are working closely with Mbale district disaster management committee to manage and provide the families with initial coping mechanisms amidst the deadly COVID-19 threat.
The school apparently serves as shelter for the displaced and the classrooms are to be used to enforce social distancing as one of the safety precautions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“We also continue to sound early warning messages to the communities in disaster prone areas across Uganda. Heavy rains are on and communities should be on alert” says Nakasita adding that the assessment being conducted will inform the bigger response for the affected communities.