Status on the floods that hit Karusandara sub county this month

By: CAO-Kasese

Rom: E-Society 

On 18^th August 2014, after a heavy rains, two rivers of Nyamwamba and Mubuku flooded affecting the population, property and infrastructure. So far, one person has drowned, two bridges washed away and over 464 households displaced; especially in Karusandara sub county in Kasese district in the parishes of Karusandara, Kibuga and Kanamba, and Mubuku II. The affected areas in Maliba Sub-County include Izinga, Katindo and Kakindo where several acres under crop were destroyed.   

River Nyamwamba

The affected areas are 8KMs away from Kasese town, which had been affected by the floods of May 1^st 2013 and on 8^th May 2014. Due heavy rain, floods occurred, caused by the huge amount of water that flowed from the mountain along the narrow course of the river. With the increase in the water levels, a temporary foot bridge that was connecting Bulembia division with Kilembe Sub County has been washed away. One person also drowned in the river and the dead body was recovered later.

There is need to continue monitoring the situation since this is the river that often caused the greatest havoc especially to the major infrastructure along the Kilembe mines; particularly Kilembe mines Hospital and Kasese municipality

River Mubuku

River Mubuku which hails from Rwenzori Mountain has so far affected three parishes in the sub county of karusandara. This is 30kms away from Kasese town. Over 464 household have been displaced in over thirteen villages.

The rapid assessment show the following estimated numbers for the households which have been affected.

S/N	Parish	NO. OF VILLAGES	NO. OF HHs DISPLACED	Estimated pop.
01	karusandara	2	41	246
03	kibuga	5	135	810
02	kanamba	6	288	1728
Total		13	464	2784

Effects of the floods

Ø  0ne person drowned in river Nyamwamba

Ø  464 homes have lost their household property and are displaced but staying with host families – friends and relatives.

Ø  The improvised Kyanzuki foot bridge has been swept away.

Ø  The Kisanyarazi – Karusandara road is  impassable (non motorable), only route to Karusandara is through Hima.

Interventions made

Ø  The dead body has been recovered and arrangements for burial in progress.

Ø  The displaced families were trying to look for accommodation from relatives and friends.

Ø  The District disaster committee together with Uganda Red Cross Society Kasese branch  has embarked on a rapid assessment exercise in Karusandara’ while monitoring the situation in other places of the district.

Ø  The police are patrolling the communities threatened by floods ready to rescue those who may be stranded.
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