20 Sept 2007

Uganda flooding washes away towns and lives

Uganda declared a state of emergency Thursday in the worst flood-affected areas of the country as humanitarian workers tried to reach villages that have been cut off by water.

Uganda is among the nations hit hardest by floods that have swept across 17 countries in Africa in recent weeks. At least 200 people have been killed across the continent, and hundreds of thousands displaced. In Uganda, floods killed 21 people since August, said deputy police spokeswoman Judith Nabakoba. "We expected the rains which have been falling since early August to ease off, but they are getting worse and we are seeing more and more people affected," said Relief and Disaster Preparedness Minister Tarsis Kabwegyere.

Uganda flooding washes away towns, lives - CNN.com

Also see this on The Age