At least 34 killed in Uganda landslides

At least 34 people lost their lives after landslides and floods, triggered by torrential rains, washed away houses in eastern Uganda, the country's Red Cross Society said.

Dozens are feared missing in mudslides that engulfed homes in six villages in Bududa district, that borders Kenya. According to local media reports, 40 people have died in the disaster, CNN reported.

The landslides occurred after a river burst its banks in Bukalasi town in Bududa district, triggering flash flooding, sweeping away houses and marooning hundreds of people, Uganda Red Cross' (URC) head of communications and public relations, Irene Nakasiita said.

Rescue operations are underway to retrieve the people affected in the crisis.

The URC took to social media, warning people to take alternative routes. The aid agency added that it has provided blankets and other relief materials to the families in the affected areas.

"The effect is very devastating and has majorly affected lives of people, livestock, plantations and human settlement. Many people have been displaced while others have had to move to neighbouring villages for shelter with relatives and close friends," the URC said.

Uganda President Yoweri Museveni expressed his condolences over the death of the people in the landslides. He tweeted, "The government will look at other options available to stop further occurrences of these disasters."

Flooding and landslides are recurring features during the rainy season in Uganda's mountainous regions. In 2010, 80 people died after mudslides engulfed several villages in Mount Elgon.