More dead after landslide at Uganda rubbish dump

Al Jazeera 11th August, 2024 05:37 PM

The number of victims who succumbed from a landslide at a vast rubbish dump in Uganda’s capital Kampala has risen to 13, according to police, as rescue personnel continued to dig for survivors.

After torrential rain in recent weeks, a chunk of rubbish from the city’s only landfill site broke off late on Friday, crushing and burying homes on the edge of the site as residents slept.

On Saturday, the Kampala Capital City Authority had put the number of those who succumbed at eight.

“The latest we have is 13 dead, but rescue services are continuing,” police spokesman Patrick Onyango said on Sunday.

At least fourteen victims have been rescued, as well as several animals, he said, adding that more could still be trapped, but the number is unknown.

“In our estimation, about 1,000 individuals have been displaced by the incident, and [we are] currently working with other agencies of government and the community leadership to see how to help the affected people,” he said.

Rescue operation at Kiteezi garbage dumpsite. PHOTO/@UgandaRedCross/X

The Uganda Red Cross said tents have been set up near the site for those displaced by the landslide.

The landfill site, known as Kiteezi, has served as Kampala’s sole rubbish dump for decades and has turned into a big hill. Kiteezi has served as Kampala’s sole rubbish dump for decades, which has turned it into a giant hill. Residents have often complained about hazardous waste polluting the environment and posing a danger.

Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago said on Saturday that the landfill was at capacity. “This is a disaster and was bound to happen,” he said.

Residents have long complained of hazardous waste polluting the environment and posing a danger to residents.

Efforts by the city authority to procure a new landfill site have dragged on for years.

Torrential rains triggered landslides at a vast landfill, site in the capital, Kampala, burying homes residents and livestock.