The landslide at the Kiteezi landfill in Kampala, Uganda has recently claimed 13 lives, with rescue efforts still ongoing.
The incident occurred late Friday night after heavy rainfall caused sections of the landfill to collapse, engulfing nearby houses and residents.
Reports From Rescue Operations
Initially reported as eight fatalities, the death toll has since risen to 13, according to police spokesman Patrick Onyango.
The victims include both adults and children. Rescue teams, including government personnel and the Red Cross, have managed to save 14 people so far.
However, fears persist that more individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris.
Environmental Hazards and Long-Standing Concerns
The Kiteezi landfill, Kampala’s sole garbage dump for decades, has long been a source of concern for local residents.
Complaints about hazardous waste polluting the environment and posing dangers to the community have been largely unaddressed.
Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago had previously warned of the site’s risks, describing it as a “disaster waiting to happen.”
Displacement and Humanitarian Response
The landslide has displaced an estimated 1,000 people, prompting a coordinated response from government agencies and community leaders.
The Uganda Red Cross Society has set up tents near the site to accommodate those affected by the disaster.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Concerns
This incident has raised concerns on urgent need for improved waste management infrastructure in Kampala.
The 36-acre Kiteezi landfill, established in 1996, receives approximately 1,500 tonnes of waste daily and has reached its capacity.
Efforts to procure a new landfill site have been delayed for years, exacerbating the risks to nearby communities.