The Government of Uganda has issued a flood risk alert, warning the public to take caution as the rain season in the east African country enters peak levels.
The Ministry of Disaster Preparedness in a statement said people are strongly advised not to walk or allow a driver to take them through a flooded road or bridge even when the floods appear below the knee or the rim of the car.
The statement comes days after heavy rains caused flooding, cutting off road access to some parts of the capital Kampala on Friday, April 27, 2018.
The weather department in its outlook for the months of March, April and May warned that parts of the country may face sporadic flash floods, leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.
The Uganda National Meteorological Authority warned that some mountainous parts of the country may experience landslides.
NAN reports that, in August 2017, severe flooding was reported in northern Uganda, leaving 2,000 people displaced and 15 people dead.
Heavy rain in Northern Region caused a river to overflow on Aug. 22, 2o17, flooding the town of Elegu in Amuru district, a trading post close to the border with South Sudan.
As many as 3,000 people have been affected and 2,000 have been displaced.
Uganda Red Cross says that crops in the area have suffered damage and transport has been severely disrupted in the area. Several bridges have been destroyed or damaged.
Martin Owor, Commissioner, Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, told local TV that the town of Elegu, its market, bank and customs post have all been damaged in the floods.
He added that relief supplies have been dispatched and those displaced are receiving assistance.
Owor said that northern Uganda normally sees heavy rain during August and September and more rainfall can be expected.
