KAMPALA – The public has been cautioned of potential disasters that could come with the first-season-rains ahead, especially lightning, landslides, floods, storms, and hailstorm.
Martin Owor, the Commissioner, disaster preparedness and management at the Office of the Prime Minister in the life saving; floods, landslides, storm-winds and lightening disaster alert messages said that chances of disasters increase during rainy seasons and calls on the public to be vigilant.
In the coming days; Mr. Owor warned that massive floods and landslides are expected in the subregions of Elgon, Rwenzori, and Kigezi and that most parts of the country will experience strong winds and lightning.
Those living near river banks and on steep slopes, the OPM has directed them to shift to homes of relatives and friends in safer locations while others have been alerted on clearing drainage channels near their homes and workplaces.
“People are strongly advised not to walk or to allow a driver or bodaboda-rider take them through flooded roads or bridges even if when the floods appear very low below the knees or rim of the car,” the OPM warns ahead of a potential tough season.
“It takes only about 15 minutes for most flash-floods to clear. It is advisable one waits until the flash-floods have cleared,” and “take extra care of children, the elderly and other vulnerable persons, over the next three months.”
The OPM also warns of lightning strikes and calls on the public to put in place preventive measures ahead of time, especially by installing lightning rods particularly on public facilities and reinforcing their roofs and walls where necessary.
The Disaster Preparedness and management at the Office of the Prime Minister expect the season to last for three months and the public has been asked to store enough food and firewood.
In the recent past, Uganda has witnessed catastrophes including landslides, lightning, floods, drought, fires, and earthquakes which have worsened in the last decade due to global warming resulting from widespread environmental degradation.
