The death toll from the collapse of a large landfill in the Ugandan capital Kampala continues to rise. According to the latest data, the death toll has increased to 18 people, and this figure may increase. This was reported by MIR 24 with reference to New Vision.
President Yoweri Museveni expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
The disaster occurred due to heavy rainfall, which caused a landslide. Huge masses of debris fell on residential buildings in the Kitizi area, burying people and domestic animals. At the moment, rescuers have rescued 14 people from the rubble and taken them to hospitals; their condition has not yet been clarified. Search and rescue efforts continue.
The landfill, which became the epicenter of the tragedy, was founded in 1996 and occupies an area of 14 hectares. About 1,200 tons of waste from all over Kampala were brought here every day. Local authorities admit that the landfill has long been overcrowded, and eight months ago the situation was described as a “national crisis”.