Police have revealed that so far, 22 bodies have been retrieved from the floods and mudslides which originated from Mt. Elgon and Wanale Hill in Mbale.
The flash floods coupled with mudslides, caused extensive damage to food and cash crops, permanent and semi-permanent houses were broken, while others were submerged.
Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga said, apart from the 22 lives lost, 10 others were critically injured.
He noted that the search for more bodies and other movable properties that could have submerged is still going on.
Police have identified the deceased as; Khalayi Lukiya a 15 year old, female juvenile and P.7 pupil of North Road Primary School and resident of Mutukula cell, Namakwekwe ward, Northern Division in Mbale cell.
Barbra Khalayi, an 11 year old, female juvenile, a P.3 pupil of North Road Primary School, younger sister to Khalayi Lukiya, both daughters of Mr.Sam Simiyu of Bumoni Sub-county, Namisindwa district.
Doreen Tamunoza, a 27 year old hair dresser of Central ward, Industrial Division, Mbale city. She was in a Toyota Wish registration number UBH060T, with three others, of which two survived and one is still missing.
Yadhi Farouk, a 32 year old businessman at Mbale Industrial areas and resident of Somero cell, Namatala ward, Industrial division.
Janet Diana Nekesa, a 32 year old resident of Bulorero village, Busoba sub-county in Mbale district. She was with three others in a Subaru registration number UBL 465A. Two survived, one died, while a one Mwagale Andrew of Busamaga in Mbale is still missing.
David Namara, a 30-year-old pump attendant of Oil Energy Petro Station in Bunghokho and resident of Nashikhaso sub-county.*
Private Chemendwa Sam – A UPDF soldier.
Enanga noted that Others are yet to be identified.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased. We also wish the 10 victims who were critically injured and rushed to Mbale National Referral Hospital a quick recovery, “ he said.
Also destroyed by the floods are the wall structure at Oil Energy Petro Station near Bunghokho Sub-county headquarters, the National Water main supply pipes from Manafwa River and several schools in Bunghokho. Factories at the SINO-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park were partially flooded.
According to Police, the search for more missing persons, cars and other properties is still ongoing. Two motor vehicles and two motor cycles, registration numbers UEK821Q and UEY 712Z, were recovered from River Nabuyonga.
This news site has learnt that a van, a Toyota Super Custom with registration number UAW334X was sub-merged with 10 members of the same family who had travelled to Mbale for a wedding.
Police have advised the public about flood risks cautioning those living in low-lying areas or next to river and streams to evacuate to safer places or higher grounds when the water level rises.
