Landslides bury many in Uganda

From the Missionary Society’s Kirk Looper:

Greetings everyone. I am sending out this appeal to help Seventh Day Baptists and others in the country of Uganda, Africa. I received a message from the SDB General Secretary of Uganda, Nsubuga Daniel, in which he described the result of a landslide in the district of Bududa, Eastern Uganda.

The people affected in these areas live on the slopes of Mt. Elgon ranges. They are farmers who rely on livestock and crops located on these steep slopes. Deforestization due to the increasing population has resulted in the landslides during the recent heavy rains.

A landslide mingled with rocks and debris swept down slopes with houses, people, household property, livestock, etc and settled on top of a church, a health unit and a trading center at the bottom. This event happened on March 1, and affected nine villages. It is estimated that 3,000 people live in this area.

Death data:
They think that about 300 people are still buried under the mudslide/landslide and are feared dead. By noon on March 3, a total of 55 bodies have been recovered.

A total of 85 homes have been affected. Among the dead were 19 Christians who were carrying out an overnight prayer vigil. Four other Christians survived but are hospitalized, still unconscious. A government health center and two staff houses are buried under the slide. This included one midwife, a nursing assistant, many admitted patients, and an unknown number of primary school pupils who had taken refuge against heavy rains and impassable rivers.

An unknown number of injured survivors have been hospitalized at Bududa hospital and nearby health clinics for care. Ten students from Bukalasi Secondary School have gone missing. (Two bodies have been recovered from the school.)

Travel to the area has been hindered due to the damage or collapse of four bridges. Movement and communication is now a big problem.

The following is a list of the things needed by these people:
Shelter (tarpaulins) for erecting tents
Food, (e.g. corn flour and beans.)
Basic utensils (plates, cups jerrycans, etc.)
Water purifying chemicals
First aid kits and medicines
Blankets and bed sheets

Why the attention of Seventh Day Baptists?
The feeling is that our presence must be felt on the ground. If we cannot afford giving material things, let’s send people who will be there for the needy. They already have identified 12 willing volunteers and they are ready to be sent. At this point in time we need to serve as senders. We need immediate action and help so that the church can be represented in the rescue process and to provide temporary shelters and blankets for those people to keep warm during the night. Thank you for your rapid reaction and may God bless you richly for the help you send.

I would appreciate it if all of you could pray for those who have lost loved ones and friends. And, if the Spirit leads you to help, please send your donations to the SDB Missionary Society, 19 Hillside Ave, Ashaway, RI 02804.

Photograph: Peter Busomoke/AFP/Getty Images