Salvation Army in Uganda Assists Villagers Affected by Landslides
THE Salvation Army in Uganda is providing help to people forced from their homes in March 2010 after heavy rains caused devastating landslides, killing hundreds and making thousands homeless.
On 1 March 2010 a landslide on the slopes of Mount Elgon in eastern Uganda destroyed the village of Nametsi. At least 350 people were killed and the Ugandan Military is still looking for bodies. An excavator had to be brought in by helicopter because the area is not accessible by road. In late August – almost six months after the disaster – they found the 103rd and 104th bodies. One was a child and the other a nurse who had worked in the village clinic. A trading centre in the village held many of the bodies because children on their way home from school had sought refuge there from the heavy rain.
The survivors from Nametsi moved away from the slopes and people from neighbouring villages that were also thought to be in danger were encouraged to do the same. Since then more than 8,000 people have been living in Bulucheke Camp. Others have gone to stay with relatives or host families.
The Ugandan Red Cross was put in charge of camp management and distributions and The Salvation Army met with their representatives to discuss the needs of the people. David, the Red Cross distribution manager, says that food provided by The Salvation Army came just in time. There was a shortage of food items and people were becoming desperate.
The Ugandan Government is talking about relocating the people to another area. The time frame for these plans is not yet confirmed and the location that is in discussion is 500 kilometres away from their places of origin. People will have to start their lives from the scratch.
It is hoped that The Salvation Army will have the resources to continue to play a role and assist them to settle down and start new livelihoods when the time comes.
 The search for bodies continues |
 Children in Bulucheke Camp |
International Emergency Services