Don’t go over flooded roads or bridges, Government warns
Government has cautioned the public against permitting motorists right to go over flooded areas, as it would be putting lives in jeopardy.
Through the office of the prime minister, disaster preparedness department, government insists citizens must wait until the floods have cleared so as to cross over.
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“The general public is informed that the rain-season is currently at its peak. People are strongly advised not to walk or allow a driver or bodaboda rider to take them through a flooded road or bridge even if when the floods appear very low below the knees or rim of the car,” a statement reads in part.
“It only takes about 15 mins for most flash floods to clear. Please wait until the flash-floods are cleared,” the statement continues.
In March 2008, a school boy, Lubangaken Moris drowned in floods around Kinawataka in Kampala while heading to school with friends early morning.
In September 2011, two people on a motorcycle died after they were swept by floods on Katwe-Kalitunsi road. This happened after the rider, while trying to avoid a flooded section of the road, veered into a water channel that flows into the main Nakivubo Channel.
In September 2014, a 22 –year old Madina Nabakooza lost her life after she stepped in fast running in Ndeeba, a Kampala suburb shortly after an afternoon heavy down pour.
In August 2014, Five people were confirmed dead after they were swept away by flash floods in Kaabong district. The incident happened at Nameri Bridge, connecting Kaabong Town council to Kaabong East Sub County, some 256 kilometers North West of Moroto town when a driver, two women and their babies were swept away after the vehicle they were traveling in suddenly halted into a fast flowing river at the bridge.
In September 2017, 13 people were reported dead following floods in Rubanda District.
Floods that resulted from torrential rains on April 27 cut off Bwaise road, paralyzing movements in the area.
Two days earlier, rains had washed away the bridge at River Muzizi that connects Kyegegwa and Kibaale Districts leaving hundreds stranded.
On April 23, Motorists were left stranded after flash floods cut off Malaba- Kampala highway at Agro Bridge, 4 kilometres from the border while 5 days earlier, torrential rain in eastern Uganda had caused floods which have damaged Leresi Bridge on Mbale- Butaleja Road making transport along the route difficult.
According to Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA), the month of April marks the peak of the March to May "Long Rains" seasonal rainfall.
The authority projects that rainfall outlook for April 2018 indicates that most parts of the country are likely to experience enhanced rainfall which might impact negatively to the communities in those areas.
Featured picture courtesy of the Daily Monitor.
