22-015-RO Altert note Response to Floods and Mudslide affected communities in Mbale and surrounding districts on the slopes of Mount Elgon

International Aid Services (IAS) has submitted an alert note regarding floods and mudslide in Mbale and surrounding districts on the slopes of Mount Elgon.

The recent floods and mudslides that occurred since the beginning of August 2022, have caused death, displacement, and severe destruction of livelihoods on the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda. The most severely affected areas were Mbale City and Mbale district which had greatest floods and mudslides that occurred at the beginning of August 2022. The other districts that are affected include Sironko, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Namisindwa and Kapchorwa districts. Rivers and streams from Mt. Elgon such as Nabuyonga, Namatala, Nashibiso and Napwoli go through these areas. The crisis presented in this alert is “Catastrophic riverine flooding and mudslides” which were precipitated by prolonged rain down pour. The prolonged rain downpour caused soils on the mountain ridges to sweep downwards with force sweeping down houses and plantations. The increased water levels also caused rivers and streams burst their banks hence submerging and washing away homes, buildings, roads, and bridges as well as livestock and crop plantations near the rivers and streams. The crisis led to loss of 29 lives with over 5200 livestock lost. A total of 3,748 households composed of 20,949 individuals were affected in the 7 target districts. Further, the flooding left a trail of destruction to 9 schools, 4 health centres, damage to 10 vehicles and displacement of 5600 of people from their homes. Those displaced populations are currently in host-families within safer zones in the neighbourhood while others are currently living at established temporary internally displaced persons camps in nearby primary schools In terms of the social impact, the loss of lives, homes, and sources of livelihoods grossly affected the social safety nets of the community and the psychosocial wellbeing of the affected communities.