Uganda Landslides Destroy 3 Villages

Officials say landslides induced by torrential rains have destroyed three villages in eastern Uganda, killing scores of people but possibly hundreds.

Disaster Preparedness Minister Stephen Mallinga said Monday it was too early to say precisely how many were killed in the landslides. David Wakikona, a lawmaker from the Bududa district, described the situation as “terrible” and said hundreds were likely killed when mud flowed downhill Monday afternoon.

Wakikona said at least 300 people lived in the affected villages and that most people were indoors when massive blocks of mud and rocks began to roll down hills denuded of vegetation.

Landslides are a common occurrence in the hilly areas of eastern Uganda, but there has been local resistance to government efforts to relocate the most vulnerable people to a safer place.