Flash Floods Displace Over 3,000 People in Katakwi

Summary:

• The disaster has forced residents to seek shelter in schools and nearby sub-county offices, which have also been affected by the heavy rains and flooding.

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KATAKWI: Flash floods have displaced more than 3,000 people and submerged over 1,000 acres of land in Katakwi district, eastern Uganda.

The disaster has forced residents to seek shelter in schools and nearby sub-county offices, which have also been affected by the heavy rains and flooding.

John Imaikorit, the LCI Chairman of Palam village in Palam Sub-county, described the dire conditions facing his people, who are grappling with inadequate shelter and a lack of food.

“We urgently appeal to the central government to come to our rescue with tarpaulins, blankets, and food,” Imaikorit pleaded.

Sofia Akwi, the Sub-county Chief of Palam in Ngariam County, expressed deep concern during her field monitoring, confirming that the entire sub-county has been affected by the floods, leaving residents in desperate need of assistance.

“As a sub-county, we have no resources to manage this disaster since all areas are flooded,” Akwi stated.

Moses Iteit, the LC3 Chairman of Ngariam Sub-county, also confirmed the extensive damage, explaining that locals have lost significant amounts of food crops, including cassava, potatoes, simsim, green grams, groundnuts, and sorghum, among others.

One of the affected farmers, Charles Opio, tearfully shared his distress with our reporter, lamenting the loss of his crops, which were destroyed by the floods.

Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Chairman of Katakwi District, noted that while the district has attempted to address the situation by repairing roads damaged by the floods, the overwhelming volume of water continues to inundate the area.

Several schools, including Achanga Primary School, Palam Primary School, Obulejet Primary School, Ngariam Corner Primary School, and Olilim Primary School, have also been affected, along with Palam Health Centre III.

Omolo mentioned that despite some roads, including UNRA roads and those leading to Palam Barracks, being made accessible, many areas remain cut off.

He urged residents, particularly those living in waterlogged areas, to exercise caution and protect school-going children from dangerous, flood-affected roads.

“We call upon any well-wishers to come to our aid,” Omolo appealed.