On March 1st the region of Bududa in Eastern Uganda experienced a huge mudslide which destroyed villages and claimed the lives of at least 93 people, though hundreds remain missing according to the latest reports.

DAMAGES

Over 5000 people lost their homes and many other community building were destroyed, including a health station where several children perished seeking shelter from the slide.  The mudslides engulfed three entire villages; Nametsi, Kubehwo and Namashet now sit beneath several feet of hard mud and clay.  This widespread destruction has left a great many people displaced, having lost all of their homes and possessions, they are all having to start from scratch.

Each family lost their gardens and all of their livestock and current conditions won’t allow for any type of agricultural activity or growth, forcing a mass relocation.

AID EFFORTS

The Ugandan government has been involved in short-term, immediate relief with refugee camps and supplies.  There are currently make-shift settlements with tents and cooking areas and food supplies are handed out daily.  However, more permanent solutions are sought as the weeks roll on.

ActionAid is part of the relief efforts, supplying food staples and cooking oil. They are particularly concerned with the vulnerable demographics of women and children.  ActionAid’s regional Emergency and Conflict Advisor Geoffrey Okoth speaks about the continuing struggle to keep up with demands:

“So far people are safe in the camps but the situation is far from good. People live up to 30 individuals in communal tents divided in males and females. Particularly families with babies and young children need to be together to be able to cope with issues of hygiene, food and safety”

Actionaid’s current goal is to rebuild these villages in safer, more sheltered locations. They want to get schools rebuilt and up and running in order to get children back into a routine.  The sooner the community can begin to take charge of its regeneration, the better chance t has of surviving, Actionaid tells us.

With several years’ disaster relief experience, Actionaid is in an excellent position to help the displaced of Uganda, especially the children, but they need help to reach those in need.