More than 700 households have been displaced after flash floods from River Moroto swept through Aloi, Adwir, and Omoro sub-counties in Alebtong District, leaving widespread destruction of homes, crops, and infrastructure.
The disaster struck on Monday night following a week of heavy rains, with the river bursting its banks and submerging villages.
Roads have been cut off, blocking access to schools, health facilities, and markets.
In Aduu Village, Aloi Sub-county, Isaac Odongo said his family was forced to flee in the middle of the night.
“I heard my children screaming from the mango tree outside. When we stepped out of bed, the water was already above the knees. We grabbed nothing except rushing to rescue the children … we just ran,” he recalled.
Aloi Sub-county Community Development Officer Eunice Alwedo said many residents have been left without food or shelter.
“The damage is huge. People have lost homes, gardens, and even animals. Some families are now sheltering at the homes of local leaders because they have nowhere to go,” she said, warning of possible outbreaks of waterborne diseases if aid is delayed.
“If nothing is done in the next few days, we could face an outbreak of diseases like cholera because people are drinking the same water that has flooded their homes.”
Onir Village LC1 chairperson Martin Odur said health services have been severely disrupted.
“The road to the health centre is cut off, and pregnant mothers cannot get transport. We are worried lives could be lost if help doesn’t come soon. In this area, all sanitary facilities have been destroyed by the roaring stream of water,” he said.
Alebtong District Chief Administrative Officer, Franco Olaboro, said the district lacks the resources to respond adequately.
“Our assessment shows over 700 households have been affected. We have schools that cannot open and health facilities that are inaccessible," he said.
"The situation is overwhelming for the district,” Olaboro added, appealing to the central government and aid agencies for urgent support.
Local leaders are calling for relief agencies to prioritise food, clean water, and temporary shelter for the displaced families.